Also, the Saarland athletes who had to enter as a separate team in 1952 could now join in even though the accession of their state was not yet in effect.

Most of the Games were held in Melbourne, Australia, but due to Australian quarantine regulations the equestrian events were held five months earlier in Stockholm, Sweden.

[1] The horse Halla carried rider Hans Günter Winkler to two Gold medals, and one more in 1960 for an all-time record.

Heinz Fütterer, who had tied the 100m world record and set some European records, was a favorite for medals, but was injured before the games in an event held in East Germany.

The United Team of Germany had 12 male rowers participate in five of the seven rowing events in 1956.