The event was won by John Devitt of Australia over Lance Larson of the United States in a controversial, disputed finish that resulted in a push for electronic timing.

It was Australia's second consecutive victory in the event, third-most all-time behind the United States' 7 gold medals and Hungary's 3.

Devitt, silver medalist four years earlier, was the fifth man to win multiple medals in the event.

Manuel dos Santos earned Brazil's first medal in the men's 100 metre freestyle with his bronze.

Ritter pointed out to chief judge Henry Runströmer of Sweden that the scorecards indicated a tie.

[5] The United States team appealed, bolstered by videotaped footage of the finish that appeared to show Larson the winner.

[7] This controversy would pave the way for electronic touchpads to be included in swimming events to determine finish and accurate timing.

The two Australian veterans would have been strong competition for him, with Devitt (the world record holder) having a slight edge over Henricks since the last Olympics; however, with Farrell out and Henricks falling ill in Rome (still competing but clearly not at full strength), Devitt became the strong favorite.

American swimmers were always dangerous, with Lance Larson and Bruce Hunter the United States pair this Games.

John Devitt and Lance Larson both had official times of 55.2 in the final, breaking the Olympic record.