The men's single sculls competition at the 1968 Summer Olympics took place at Virgilio Uribe Rowing and Canoeing Course, Mexico.

[2] The event was won by Jan Wienese of the Netherlands, with Jochen Meißner of West Germany taking silver and Alberto Demiddi of Argentina earning bronze.

[2] Three of the 13 single scullers from the 1964 Games returned: two-time silver medalist Achim Hill of the United Team of Germany (now competing for East Germany), fourth-place finisher Alberto Demiddi of Argentina, and twelfth-place finisher Vaclav Kozak of Czechoslovakia.

Great Britain was represented by Kenny Dwan instead of reigning Diamond Challenge Sculls winner Hugh Wardell-Yerburgh.

[2] Cuba and Romania each made their debut in the event; East and West Germany competed separately for the first time.