For the first time since 1936, an athlete from outside the United States made the podium, as Anatoly Mikhailov of the Soviet Union took bronze to break the American streak of four consecutive podium sweeps and earn the first Soviet medal in the event.

Two finalists from 1960 returned: bronze medalist Hayes Jones of the United States and sixth-place finisher Valentin Chistyakov of the Soviet Union.

Jones and his countryman Blaine Lindgren were favored, with Willie Davenport giving the American team a solid chance at a fifth consecutive medal sweep.

The United States made its 15th appearance, the only nation to have competed in the 110 metres hurdles in each Games to that point.

Davenport injured his thigh and finished seventh, ensuring that the streak of American podium sweeps would end at 4.