The men's discus throw event was part of the track and field athletics programme at the 1948 Summer Olympics.

Fortune Gordien of the United States won bronze, keeping the Americans on the podium in each appearance of the men's discus throw to date.

The returning finalists from the 1936 Games were bronze medalist Giorgio Oberweger of Italy and sixth-place finisher Nikolaos Syllas of Greece.

Oberweger's teammates, Adolfo Consolini (who had held the world record until 1946, and would take it back later in 1948) and Giuseppe Tosi, were the favorites after finishing first and second in the European championships.

World record holder and inventor of the Minnesota Whip technique Bob Fitch was unable to attend the Games.

The United States made its 11th appearance, having competed in every edition of the Olympic men's discus throw to date.