The event was won by Lee Calhoun of the United States, the first man to successfully defend Olympic gold in the 110 metres hurdles.

It was the sixth of nine consecutive American victories, and the 12th overall gold medal for the United States in the 110 metres hurdles.

Calhoun was favored to win again, though Lauer was a serious contender; they shared the world record at 13.2 seconds.

[2] Afghanistan, the British West Indies, Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda each made their first appearance in the event.

The United States made its 14th appearance, the only nation to have competed in the 110 metres hurdles in each Games to that point.