Though this was the Olympic debut of the event, the 4 × 100 metres relay had been held at meets going back to at least 1897.

The record for the new event progressed quickly, with the Canadians winning the first heat.

The British took the record in the first semifinal, only to lose it quickly to the Swedes in the second.

Semifinal 1 The United States team was disqualified after a baton-passing fault on the first transfer.

Afterwards, the German team were disqualified as Kern had passed the 20 metre line before receiving the baton from Herrmann.