Schult was the world record holder and had medaled twice before (gold in 1988, silver in 1992). Riedel had won four of the last five world championships; Washington had won the latest.
Schult held the world record and had previously won two medals, a gold in 1988 and a silver in 1992. Riedel had won four out of the past five world championships, with Washington taking the most recent victory.