Phelps Breaks Spitz Record
American swimmer Michael Phelps has broken Mark Spitz's record of winning seven Olympic gold medals at a single Summer Olympics as he has won eight swimming events at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Phelps won gold medals in each of the eight events he competed in at the 2008 Summer Games to break Spitz's record.1
Fast Facts
- Spitz won seven gold medals in 19721
- August 17, 2008: Phelps has won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics
- Phelps became the all-time gold medal leader after winning his tenth and 11th gold medals on August 12, 20082
- Spitz was not invited to the 2008 Summer Olympics3
Spitz Snub
Despite the chance that his Olympic record could be broken, Mark Spitz was not in attendance at the 2008 events. Although Spitz was selected as one of the top five Olympians of all time, the International Olympic Committee did not invite him to attend the games. Spitz stated that he was upset over his omission and added that he would have liked to present a medal to Phelps.3
Will He or Won't He?
"Based on the experience he gained from trying to do it four years ago... I would say that he has got a great chance of doing it. Maybe even a better chance -- let's put it that way."—Mark Spitz4
"As far as the Mark Spitz thing is concerned, I've said it before and I'll say it again - all I want to be is the first Michael Phelps, not the second Mark Spitz... What he did will always be remembered as the greatest Olympic swimming performance of all time."—Michael Phelps5
"I say to him: 'Break all the records including mine'. I'm very happy for him. If he gets it, it will be a great day for the sport, for the Olympic movement and he will become the most important thing for the television."—Mark Spitz6
"I hope he does. But I think the odds are against it."—Matt Biondi4
"I'd love to actually watch that. I just don't think it will happen."—Ian Thorpe4
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