The 2012 bronze went to Alan Campbell, Great Britain's first medal in the event since 1928.

Drysdale was the favourite again and hoping for better than bronze this time; he had won five of the six World Championships since the 2004 Olympics.

The two-time reigning champion, Tufte, was still a strong contender though not at his peak anymore.

[3] Azerbaijan, Croatia, El Salvador, Niger, and Zimbabwe each made their debut in the event.

Great Britain and the United States each made their 21st appearance, tied for most among nations.

The "scull" portion means that the rower uses two oars, one on each side of the boat; this contrasts with sweep rowing in which each rower has one oar and rows on only one side (not feasible for singles events).

Placing in the repechage heats determined which quarterfinal the boat would race in.

Placing in the quarterfinal heats determined which semifinal the boat would race in.