The athletics competitions at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games, held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, were a significant part of the Games of the X Olympiad. Despite the backdrop of the Great Depression, which limited the participation of many nations, 386 athletes from 34 countries competed in 29 events – 23 for men and, for the second time in Olympic history, 6 for women. These Games marked the debut of the men's 50 kilometers race walk and also saw women compete in the javelin throw and 80-meter hurdles for the first time.

The United States dominated the athletics events, topping the medal table with an impressive 16 gold, 13 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Finland secured the second position, while Great Britain finished third. Several athletes delivered outstanding performances. American Eddie Tolan triumphed in both the men's 100m and 200m sprints, showcasing his speed on the track. Another American, Bill Carr, set a new world record in the 400m.

The women's events saw the emergence of Mildred "Babe" Didrikson of the United States as a multi-talented star. She won gold in the javelin and the 80m hurdles, and controversially took silver in the high jump after a disputed ruling. Stanisława Walasiewicz of Poland won the women's 100m, while Lillian Copeland (USA) secured gold in the discus throw.

In the distance events, Juan Carlos Zabala of Argentina won the marathon, and Finland's Lauri Lehtinen took gold in a closely contested 5000m race. Janusz Kusociński of Poland won the 10,000m. Tommy Green of Great Britain won the inaugural 50 kilometers race walk.

The field events also produced memorable moments. Ed Gordon (USA) won the long jump, while his teammate Bill Miller took gold in the pole vault. Japan's Chuhei Nanbu won the triple jump, and Ireland's Pat O'Callaghan successfully defended his hammer throw title from the Amsterdam Games.

Despite the smaller scale of the Games due to the economic climate, the athletics events in Los Angeles provided thrilling competition and showcased remarkable athletic talent, with the host nation proving to be a formidable force. These Games also further integrated women into the athletics program, laying the groundwork for greater gender equality in future Olympics.