[2] The event was won by Tim Ahearne of Great Britain, breaking a streak of three American victories in the triple jump.

The triple jump was still "rarely contested at national meets in this era" and once again there was no favorite in the Olympic event.

[3] Canada, Finland, Norway, and South Africa each made their first appearance in the event.

The competition was described as two rounds at the time, but was more similar to the modern divided final.

(*) unofficial At first Tim Ahearne set a new Olympic record with 14.72 metres.