[1] John Flanagan, the reigning champion, defended his gold medal and set a new Olympic record.

Flanagan was the first man to earn multiple medals in the event; he would finish with three consecutive victories, a record not matched by anyone in the hammer throw.

John Flanagan was the defending Olympic champion and had won at least 10 national titles across Great Britain, Ireland, and the United States; he was a heavy favorite.

Ralph Rose was best known as a shot putter, but had been rumored to have thrown a monstrous 190 feet (57.9 metres).

The lack of international competition meant that Great Britain's two-time AAA champion Tom Nicolson was absent.