However, the final scores were not technically determinative (except as tie-breakers); after the scores were calculated, each judge ranked the competitors (and could choose to follow the scores or not) and the competition was decided on a point-for-place system with the competitor with the lowest total ranking from the three judges winning.

The two divers who scored the greatest number of points in each group of the first round advanced to the semifinals.

Cane landed poorly in one of his dives, passing out in the water.

Hjalmar Johansson, who had won group 2 and would eventually take the gold medal, rescued him.

Cane "was quickly revived and sustained no major injuries,",[2] but "was so seriously shaken as to be unable to leave his bed for some days.

Following a protest, a third diver from the second semifinal, George Gaidzik, was also included in the final.