[2] In what has been described as one of the greatest races in Olympic history,[3] Karsten Warholm of Norway won the gold medal, setting a new world record of 45.94 seconds.

[3] Brazilian hurdler Alison dos Santos took bronze and would have bettered the almost 30-year-old Olympic record in the final by 0.06 seconds.

The 47-second barrier would not be broken again until 2018, by Abderrahman Samba, then in 2019, Karsten Warholm and Rai Benjamin broke it in the same race.

In 2021, at the United States Olympic Trials, Benjamin narrowly missed Young's world record, and a week later, Warholm broke it, stopping the clock at 46.70.

By the fifth hurdle, Warholm had a half a stride advantage, but through the final turn, Benjamin pulled that back in steadily.

If not for Warholm's performance, Benjamin's time would have been the greatest improvement in this event's world record since 1968.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the period was suspended from 6 April 2020 to 30 November 2020, with the end date extended to 29 June 2021.

The most recent Area Championships could be counted in the ranking, even if they didn't take place during the qualifying period.

The event continued to use the three-round format used previously in every Games since 1908 (except for a four-round competition in 1952).