The Americans completed their first sweep in the discus throw, with Merritt Giffin taking silver and Bill Horr bronze.

The returning competitors from 1904 were defending champion Martin Sheridan of the United States, bronze medalist Nikolaos Georgantas of Greece, and fourth-place finisher (and 1900 competitor) John Flanagan of the United States.

"[3] Finland, Germany, Italy, and Norway each made their debut in the men's discus throw.

Greece and the United States each made their fourth appearance, having competed in every edition of the Olympic men's discus throw to date.

There were no rules on form ("The method of throwing is at the absolute discretion of each competitor"), though the thrower had to remain in the circle until the discus hit the ground.