Mark SPITZ

Mark Spitz is one of the greatest swimmers of all time. He won seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Games.

Prediction backfires

American Mark Spitz had brashly predicted that he would win six gold medals at the 1968 Mexico City Games. Although he did take home two gold medals from the relays, he performed well below expectations in his individual races. He was third in the 100m freestyle, second in the 100m butterfly and last in the final of the 200m butterfly.

Seven golds

At the 1972 Munich Games, Spitz was determined to make up for his below-par performances four years earlier. He did not disappoint. Over a period of eight days, Mark Spitz entered seven events, won all seven and set a world record in every one.

Long-lasting record

Mark Spitz held the record for most gold medals won at a single Olympic Games for 36 years. It was finally broken by American phenomenon Michael Phelps who won eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games.