[1] The 100 metre freestyle race was the first of the swimming events.

Alfréd Hajós of Hungary beat Otto Herschmann of Austria by about half a metre, with the other swimmers far behind.

[2] The competition involved a single race, with all swimmers competing at the same time.

The swimmers were taken out by ship into the bay, where they would swim toward shore.

* unofficial The following record was established during the competition: The 100 metres freestyle was the first of the swimming events.