Mark Spitz Biography

Name : Mark Spitz

Birth Name : Mark Andrew Spitz

Date of Birth : 10 February 1950

Place of Birth : Modesto, California, USA

Height : 6' 1''

Nationality : American

Profession : Sportsman (Swimmer)

Mark Spitz Trivia

Winner of an unprecedented 7 gold medals in swimming at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Winner of 2 gold medals in the 1968 Mexico City olympics.
Sons: Matthew (b. 1981) and Justin (b. 1991)
Considered the swiftest swimmer of all time, made his big splash during the 1972 Olympics, becoming the first athlete to win seven gold medals in an Olympiad. His performances were even more remarkable considering world records were set in all seven events.
Still only aged 22, he retired from swimming after the Munich Olympics.
After he won the 200m free-style in the 1972 (Munich) Olympics, he celebrated by swinging his sneakers in front of the cameras. He had to explain to the organizing comitee that he was just euphoric, not doing publicity.
In the 1967 Pan-American Games (Winnipeg), he won 5 gold medals.
Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, 1983 (charter member).
American swimming sensation 19-year old Michael Phelps aspired to break Spitz's record of 7 gold medals, at the Athens Olympics. Phelps, however, had to settle for 8 medals, 6 gold, and 2 bronze, respectively.
Idol of Australian freestyle swimmer and 9-time Olympic champion, Ian Thorpe.


Mark Spitz Detailed Biography

American swimmer Mark Spitz achieved an Olympic record in 1972 that may never be equalled: seven gold medals. Perhaps no one athlete put more pressure on himself than American swimmer Mark Spitz. The athlete's bold predictions and cocky disposition made it almost impossible for him to live up to the standards he was setting for himself. Mark Spitz began swimming at the age of two and as far back as he could remember, he ruled the pool. Mark Spitz held 17 national records (for his age group) at the age of ten and was named "the world's best 10-and-under swimmer." At age 16, he won his first AAU National Championship. And the following year he won five gold medals at the 1967 Pan American Games and laid claim to ten world records. He couldn't help but think he was the best. So before the 1968 games in Mexico City, Spitz predicted he would accomplish what no one else had to win six gold medals. Mark Spitz ended up with two team golds, plus an individual silver and bronze. It's tough for someone to be disappointed with four Olympic medals, but Spitz was.

Mark Spitz spent the next four years at Indiana University, winning almost every conceivable award, setting almost every world record in existence, and preparing himself for the 1972 Olympics in Munich. At Munich, not only did Spitz win the six golds he predicted four years before he won seven! And not only did he win all seven, but world records were set in each event. He won four individual golds in the 200m butterfly, the 200m freestyle, the 100m butterfly and the 100m freestyle. Mark Spitz also added three team golds as the United States won the 4x100m freestyle relay, the 4x200m relay, and the 4x100 medley relay. It was the greatest performance by an Olympic athlete in history. Tragedy then struck the 1972 games as Palestinian terrorists killed two Israelis and taking nine others hostage. Spitz, who is Jewish, left Germany for London before the closing ceremonies. The nine hostages were later killed.

Mark Spitz's performance coupled with his good looks made Spitz an instant celebrity back in the states. A host of endorsements and a short-lived television career followed but he eventually settled in to a profitable real estate career. Seventeen years later, at the age of 39, Mark Spitz began training again with the hopes of earning a spot on the 1992 Olympic team. The familiar mustache was gone but the fire remained. Alas Mark Spitz fell short in qualifying and had to settle for a whopping career total of 11 Olympic medals. Olympic champion Mark Spitz is available for personal appearances at your next event - contact us today to arrange an appearance.

Source: http://www.netglimse.com

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