400 metres Freestyle, Men

Johnny Weissmuller of the USA was the champion four years earlier in Paris but did not defend his title in Amsterdam. The USA was still well represented by a trio of top class swimmers, Argentina by the New York based Alberto Zorilla and the two other medallists from Paris, Arne Borg and Andrew “Boy” Charlton,returned with strong chances to upgrade their medals to gold. It was Borg who recorded the fastest times in both heat and semi-final as the fancied contenders all the made their way to the final. Borg and Charlton were old rivals and seemed more intent on watching each other than the other swimmers and, although the two men fought for the lead throughout the race, Zorilla was able to move through from an outside draw and win Argentina’s first Olympic swimming championship by two clear seconds. The Argentine was an all-round sportsman, also excelling at rowing, boxing and athletics. His plan to defend his title in Los Angeles was thwarted by illness.