[1] Competing at his third Games, Lars Frölander ended Sweden's 20-year drought to become an Olympic champion in the event, since Pär Arvidsson did so in 1980.

Surprised by a massive home crowd, he overhauled Australia's top favorites Michael Klim and Geoff Huegill on the final 25 metres to snatch a gold medal in a new European record of 52.00.

[2][3] Klim added a silver to his two relay golds from the Games, in a time of 52.18, while Huegill took home the bronze in 52.22, handing an entire medal pool for the Aussies with an unexpected two–three finish.

[4] At 18 years of age, U.S. teenage swimmer Ian Crocker came up with a spectacular swim to earn a fourth spot in an American record of 52.44.

[4] Earlier in the semifinals, Huegill became the second fastest of all-time in swimming history to break a 52-second barrier, establishing a new Olympic record of 51.96.