Lacrosse had been contested at the 1904 Olympics but after 1908, it has never again been an official medal sport on the Olympic Program, although demonstration lacrosse events were contested at the [1928], [1932], and [1948 Olympics]. Three teams were entered in the 1908 lacrosse tournament but South Africa withdrew, which left only Canada and Great Britain to contest a single game for the Olympic title. The game was held at the [White City Stadium] in Shepherd’s Bush, the main Olympic Stadium in 1908.

A field lacrosse game was played between Canada and Great Britain at the 1908 Summer Olympics. The game marked the second appearance of lacrosse at the Olympics, the first being at the 1904 Summer Olympics. Only two teams competed — one fewer than in 1904. South Africa was slated to send a team but then withdrew prior to the tournament.

Both teams held try-outs to select the players to represent their country. The game was tied 9-9 in the fourth period, before Canada scored 5 straight goals to pull ahead. Canada won 14-10 to earn their second of two gold medals, the only lacrosse gold medals given out in the Olympic Games.