[2] The event was won by Forrest Smithson of the United States, the fourth of five consecutive victories for the nation in the first five Olympic Games.

[3] Belgium, Canada, Norway, South Africa, and Sweden each made their first appearance in the event, as did the combined Australia/New Zealand team "Australasia" (though Australia had competed in 1904).

The United States made its fourth appearance, the only nation to have competed in the 110 metres hurdles in each Games to that point.

(*) unofficial 120 yards (= 109.73 m) Forrest Smithson equalled the Olympic record when he ran 15.4 seconds in his semifinal.

In the final he set the first official world record (ratified by the IAAF in 1912) in this event with 15.0 seconds.

The first round heats were held on July 23, 1908, making the short hurdles one of the last events to begin.

The British team also had a strong showing, winning any time that there was no American in the race.

Powell hit the ninth hurdle, slowing him just enough for Rand to take the lead and win.

Shaw took the lead at the first set of hurdles, finishing about five metres ahead of Hussey.