France won its first medal in the event since 1900, with Jules Ladoumègue's silver matching the nation's best result.

Sixth-place finisher Lloyd Hahn of the United States was the only finalist from the 1924 Games to return.

Defending champion Paavo Nurmi of Finland was in Amsterdam, but competed only in longer distances this Games.

Finland was still well-represented, however, as Eino Purje and Harri Larva were among the favorites, along with Jules Ladoumègue of France and world-record holder Otto Peltzer of Germany.

The United States made its eighth appearance, the only nation to have competed in the men's 1500 metres at each Games to that point.