Athletics at the 1932 Summer Olympics – Men's 1500 metres

This was the ninth appearance of the event, which is one of 12 athletics events to have been held at every Summer Olympics. Despite the low attendance in 1932 generally, the 1500 metres had a strong field. Returning finalists from 1928 were Finland's medalists, gold winner Harri Larva and bronze winner Eino Purje, along with sixth-place finisher Paul Martin of Switzerland. Other top runners included Jack Lovelock of New Zealand, Luigi Beccali of Italy, Glenn Cunningham of the United States, and Phil Edwards of Canada.{{cite web |url=https://www.olympedia.org/results/57977 |work=Olympedia |title=1500 metres, Men |access-date=12 August 2020}}

Brazil and New Zealand each made their first appearance in the event. The United States made its ninth appearance, the only nation to have competed in the men's 1500 metres at each Games to that point.

The competition consisted of two rounds, the format used since 1908. With fewer runners than in previous Games, the number of semifinals was reduced to three (with between 7 and 9 runners each after withdrawals). The top four runners in each heat advanced to the final, maintaining the 12-man final race.Official Report, pp. 417–19.

These were the standing world and Olympic records (in minutes) prior to the 1932 Summer Olympics.

{{World Olympic Record

| world_athlete = {{flagathlete|Jules Ladoumègue|FRA}}

| world_mark = 3:49.2

| world_place = Paris, France

| world_date = 5 October 1930

| olympic_athlete = {{flagathlete|Harri Larva|FIN|1928 Summer}}

| olympic_mark = 3:53.2

| olympic_place = Amsterdam, Netherlands

| olympic_date = 2 August 1928

}}

In the final Luigi Beccali set a new Olympic record at 3:51.2.

Three heats were held; the fastest four runners from each heat advanced to the final round.

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{{Footer Olympic Champions 1500 m Men}}

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Category:Athletics at the 1932 Summer Olympics

Category:1500 metres at the Olympics

Category:Men's events at the 1932 Summer Olympics