[2] The event was won by New Zealand, the nation's first medal in the men's eight.

The men's eight has been held every time that rowing has been contested, beginning in 1900.

[2] New Zealand's eight had, in identical composition, won the 1971 European Rowing Championships.

The "eight" event featured nine-person boats, with eight rowers and a coxswain.

The top three finishers advanced to the semifinal round and the other teams were eliminated.