Subsequent editions of the programme would use a distance of 50 metres, though the short sprint would not reappear until the 1988 Summer Olympics.

The competition consisted of two rounds: semifinals and a final.

The top three finishers in each heat advanced to the final.

The results of the non-advancing swimmers are unclear, but David Hammond, Edwin Swatek and Bill Orthwein are named by de Wael as possible competitors.

The final had to be run twice because the first race was too close to determine a winner.