[2] It was the fourth of nine consecutive American victories, and the tenth overall gold medal for the United States in the 110 metres hurdles.

American World Record holder Dick Attlesey had suffered career ending injuries earlier in the season and was not here.

Dillard was out fast in the center of the track, gaining a full metre lead on Davis and Arthur Barnard by the second barrier.

Davis was not able to catch Dillard, but did make it close, both men getting the same hand time 13.7, both getting credit for a new Olympic record.

His primary competition, world record holder Dick Attlesey, was injured and did not make it through the U.S. trials.

Arthur Barnard and Jack Davis, however, completed an American team that once again was deep and expected to make a run for a podium sweep.

[1] Cuba, Egypt, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Soviet Union, and Venezuela each made their first appearance in the event.

The United States made its 12th appearance, the only nation to have competed in the 110 metres hurdles in each Games to that point.