It was the fifth of nine consecutive American victories, and the 11th overall gold medal for the United States in the 110 metres hurdles.

Here the three Americans were the class of the field, all three running the semi-final in 14.0, almost half a second faster than any other competitor.

In the final, Lee Calhoun in lane 2 got the edge, leading by half a meter by the third hurdle.

Two finalists from 1952 returned: silver medalist Jack Davis of the United States and fifth-place finisher Ken Doubleday of Australia.

The United States made its 13th appearance, the only nation to have competed in the 110 metres hurdles in each Games to that point.

Lee Calhoun and Jack Davis were both officially clocked at 13.5 seconds in the final to break the Olympic record.