[2] The United States was the dominant nation in the event, with the nation winning the previous eight Olympic men's eight competitions (as well as the other two competitions which the United States had entered).

Potential challengers included the United Team of Germany (West Germany had won the 1959 European Rowing Championships), Italy (1957 and 1958 European Rowing Championships winners), and Canada (1958 British Empire and Commonwealth champions and 1959 Pan American Games runners-up).

The American team was represented by a crew from the United States Navy.

The German side was a combined team from the Ratzeburg and Ditmarsia Kiel clubs; they were competing with a new oar design.

Canada, Great Britain, and the United States each made their 11th appearance, tied for most among nations to that point.