The men's 50 metre freestyle event at the 2020 Summer Olympics was held from 30 July to 1 August 2021 at the Olympic Aquatics Centre. It will be the event's tenth appearance, first held in 1904 (as 50 yards) and then at every edition since 1988. The event is nicknamed the "splash and dash" event.
The medals for the competition were presented by Anant Singh, South Africa; IOC Member, and the medalists' bouquets were presented by Cpt. Husain Al-Musallam, Kuwait; FINA President.
Records
Prior to this competition, the existing world and Olympic records were as follows.
The following record was established during the competition:
Qualification
The Olympic Qualifying Time for the event is 22.01 seconds. Up to two swimmers per National Olympic Committee (NOC) can automatically qualify by swimming that time at an approved qualification event. The Olympic Selection Time is 22.67 seconds. Up to one swimmer per NOC meeting that time is eligible for selection, allocated by world ranking until the maximum quota for all swimming events is reached. NOCs without a male swimmer qualified in any event can also use their universality place.
Competition format
The competition consists of three rounds: heats, semifinals, and a final. The swimmers with the best 16 times in the heats advance to the semifinals. The swimmers with the best 8 times in the semifinals advance to the final. Swim-offs are used as necessary to break ties for advancement to the next round.
Schedule
All times are Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
Results
Heats
The swimmers with the top 16 times, regardless of heat, advanced to the semifinals.
Semifinals
The swimmers with the best 8 times, regardless of heat, advanced to the final.