American swimmer who won seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics, a record that stood until 2008.
Background
Born in Modesto, California, Spitz trained at the Arden Hills Swim Club under Sherm Chavoor and attended Indiana University.
Career
At Mexico City 1968 he won two relay golds. At Munich 1972 he set world records in all seven of his gold-medal events: the 100m and 200m freestyle, 100m and 200m butterfly, and three relays. He retired at 22 after the Munich Games.
Style of play
A right-handed swimmer with strong shoulder mobility, Spitz was especially dominant in the butterfly. His high-elbow recovery technique influenced freestyle teaching.