The silver medal was Australia's best result yet in the event; the nation had previously taken bronze in 1952 and 1956.

The Soviet Union reached the podium in the men's eight for the first time since earning silver in 1952.

The Soviet Union had a number of silver medal placings at recent events and were also among the favourites.

[1] Mexico made its debut in the event; East and West Germany competed separately for the first time.

[7] The Official Report of the Organising Committee lists Michael Livingston in seat 7 of the United States boat,[6] but this is incorrect, as he travelled to the 1968 Games as a reserve only.

[11] On the morning of the race, the West German team replaced Roland Böse—who was suffering from angina pectoris and had developed a fever—with Niko Ott in seat 8.

[3] The team from the United States replaced Arthur Evans with Cleve Livingston in seat 7.

[12] As per convention, the Olympic results database lists Böse as a medallist based on the fact that he competed in the qualifying race.