The men's shot put was one of six throwing events on the Athletics at the 1908 Summer Olympics programme in London.

Irishman Denis Horgan, one of the best shot putters in the world over the past decade and a half, finally competed in the Olympics after not participating in prior Games.

Horgan was 37 years old; still a strong contender (he would continue winning AAA championships until 1912), but unable to compete with Rose in his 23-year-old prime.

[3] Finland, France, Great Britain, and Norway made their debut in the men's shot put.

Greece and the United States each appeared for the fourth time, having competed in all Olympic shot put competitions to date.