Ben Eastman's silver marked the first time countrymen had gone one-two in the event since the United States did it at the first three Olympics (1896, 1900, and 1904, including a podium sweep in 1904).

The United States had a strong team, led by Ben Eastman (who had just set the world record at 46.4 seconds) and Bill Carr (who had beaten Eastman at the U.S. Olympic trials and the IC4A championships).

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

With fewer athletes than previous editions, the first round was reduced to 6 heats (vs. 15 in 1928).

The top two runners in each semifinal heat advanced, making a six-man final.