Hanns Braun of Germany took silver, the nation's first medal in the men's 400 metres.

[3] Australasia, Austria, Bohemia, Japan, Portugal, Russia, and South Africa appeared in the event for the first time.

The United States made its fifth appearance in the event, the only nation to compete in it at every Olympic Games to that point.

Only the top runner in each semifinal heat advanced, making a five-man final.

Reidpath's time was ratified by the IAAF as the inaugural official world record.

Hanns Braun also broke the old Olympic record and Edward Lindberg tied it, en route to silver and bronze medals, respectively.