U.S. swimmer Aaron Peirsol won a gold medal in this event, with an Olympic record time of 1:54.95.

Romania's Răzvan Florea, who finished behind Rogan by 0.21 of a second, earned a bronze in 1:57.56.

Peirsol became the fifth swimmer and fourth American in Olympic history to claim titles in two backstroke events.

[3] He was also only the third swimmer to win multiple medals in the men's 200 backstroke (Roland Matthes and Mitch Ivey both did so in 1968 and 1972).

[8] A later statement by FINA executive director Cornel Mărculescu revealed that the judge's report, which had also been signed off on by two other officials including referee Woon Sui Kut, was blank.

[9] The British team have announced their intention to appeal to a higher body in an attempt to get their fourth-place swimmer James Goddard for a bronze medal.

Australia and Great Britain each made their 11th appearance, tied for most among nations to that point.