It was the second medal sweep in the event by the United States (after 1904), as well as the nation's sixth victory in eight Games.

The Americans were favored coming into the Games, particularly Eddie Tolan and Ralph Metcalfe.

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

The competition used the four round format introduced in 1920: heats, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final.

[4] Ralph Metcalfe set a new Olympic record in the first quarterfinal with a time of 21.5 seconds.