[2] The competition took place in strong winds, with the final run into a 2.5 m/s (5.6 mph) headwind.

Notable entrants were Americans Bobby Morrow (NCAA champion, U.S. Olympic trial champion, and heavy favorite) and Ira Murchison (world record co-holder); Dave Sime was injured and did not make the American team.

The United States was the only nation to have appeared at each of the first thirteen Olympic men's 100 metres events.

[citation needed] The event retained the four round format from 1920 to 1952: heats, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final.

Despite headwinds, Ira Murchison and Bobby Morrow each equalled the Olympic record of 10.3 seconds (hand-timed) in the quarterfinals.