[2] The event was won by Ralph Craig of the United States, the nation's third victory in four Games.

Willie Applegarth of Great Britain was the 1912 AAA champion and closest thing to a favorite before the Games.

American Ralph Craig had set the world record for 220 yards in 1910, won the eastern U.S. trials, and started out in Stockholm by winning the 100 metres.

[3] Australasia, Bohemia, Chile, Japan, Portugal, and Russia each made their debut in the event.

The United States made its fourth appearance, the only nation to have competed at each edition of the 200 metres to date.