Career Overview
Mark Spitz set the standard for Olympic excellence before Phelps. His achievement of seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympics, all in world record time, stood as a record for 36 years.
Born
February 10, 1950
Modesto, California
Records & Achievements
Notable Records
- 7 gold medals in single Olympics (1972)
- Set new world record in all 7 1972 Olympic events
- First swimmer to win seven Olympic medals
- 33 world records during career
Major Awards
- 9x Olympic Gold Medals
- World Swimmer of the Year (1969, 1971, 1972)
- Sullivan Award winner
- International Swimming Hall of Fame