U.S. Swimmer Mark Spitz had brashly predicted that he would win six gold medals at the 1968 Olympics. Although he did take home two gold medals from the relays, he performed well below expectations in individual races. He was third in the 100m freestyle, second in the 100m butterfly, where he lost to fellow American Doug Russell for the first time in ten encounters, and last in the final of the 200m butterfly. At the 1972 Munich Olympics, Spitz tried again. He began where he left off four years earlier: with the 200m butterfly. This time he won and set a world record. Later that evening, he anchored the U.S. 4x100m freestyle relay team to earn his second gold medal of the Games and his second world record. The next day, Spitz won the 200m freestyle with another world record. Two days later, he competed in the 100m butterfly and the 4x200m freestyle relay: two more gold medals and two more world records. Next, in the event in which he was considered most vulnerable, he won the 100m freestyle, setting another world record. Finally, Spitz swam the butterfly leg for the U.S. medley relay team: gold medal and world record. Over a period of eight days, Mark Spitz had entered seven events, won all seven and set a world record in every one. Spitz is the only person to win seven gold medals at one Olympics and he is one of only four athletes to earn nine career gold medals.

Name:
SPITZ, Mark
Other names:
SPITZ, Mark Andrew
Born:
10 February 1950
Birthplace:
Modesto (United States)
Nationality:
United States

Olympic Games:
Gold: 9
Silver: 1
Bronze: 1
Pan American Games:
Gold: 5 ('67)

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