The men's single sculls event was part of the rowing programme at the 1924 Summer Olympics.

Great Britain's podium streak in the event extended to four Games; the nation had won a medal each of the five times it appeared, missing only 1904.

American William Gilmore, who had beaten Beresford in the semifinals, finished second to the British rower in the final to take silver.

The American boat at the Paris Games was instead rowed by William Gilmore, who had been quite successful since a 1919 debut.

The repechage consisted of the three men who had finished second in their semifinals; the top sculler advanced to the final.