Jadwiga Wajs (POL) had set four world records earlier in 1932, although only two were ratified. The defending champion, Halina Konopacka (POL), had won the 1930 FSFI Women’s World Games but did not compete in Los Angeles. Lillian Copeland (USA) had won the silver medal in 1928 and was back. The leader through most of the competition was Ruth Osburn (USA) with her first round throw of 40.12 (131-7½). But Copeland surpassed it with 40.58 (133-1¾) in the final round and won the gold medal, Wajs taking bronze. Copeland threw from a standing position, with no turns. Sixth-place finisher Stanisława Wałasiewicz was far better known as a sprinter.