Presents a biography of the swimmer who won seven gold medals in the 1972 Olympics.
Documenting his legendary performances at the 1972 Olympics—winning seven gold medals while breaking seven world records—this is the first biography to chronicle the amazing life story of renowned athlete Mark Spitz. Every aspect of his roller-coaster career is recorded, from an age-group prodigy and four-medal "flop" at the 1968 Olympics to an outstanding collegiate career at Indiana University and a gold-medal haul in 1972 followed by lucrative endorsements and an unsuccessful stint in entertainment. Personal stories are also included such as the role Spitz's father played in his career, stormy relationships with coaches and teammates, experiences as a Jewish athlete amidst anti-Semitism and the Munich massacre, and his impact on the commercialization of swimming. Career insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes about Spitz and his competitors shed light on his complicated personality and round out the details of this swimming icon's story for old and new fans alike.
Acknowledgments |
|
5 | (2) |
Foreword |
|
7 | (2) |
|
Introduction |
|
9 | (2) |
|
|
|
11 | (14) |
|
|
25 | (8) |
|
|
33 | (12) |
|
|
45 | (22) |
|
Four-Medal ``Flop'' in Mexico City |
|
|
67 | (20) |
|
|
87 | (10) |
|
The NCAA Years and the Spitz-Russell Rematch |
|
|
97 | (20) |
|
|
117 | (14) |
|
Pressure at the 1972 Trials |
|
|
131 | (14) |
|
On the Road to Redemption |
|
|
145 | (14) |
|
|
159 | (22) |
|
|
181 | (10) |
|
|
191 | (10) |
|
|
201 | (14) |
|
|
215 | (14) |
|
|
229 | (14) |
|
Presidents, Kings, and Queens |
|
|
243 | (12) |
|
Similar Goals, Different Journeys |
|
|
255 | (16) |
Epilogue---Where are They Now? |
|
271 | (10) |
Mark Spitz's World Records |
|
281 | (2) |
Index |
|
283 | |
Richard J. Foster is the current president of United States Aquatic Sports, the umbrella organization that represents all U.S. aquatic sports (swimming, water polo, synchronized swimming, and diving) in the international governing body. He has also served as a board member of the United States Olympic Committee and as president of USA Water Polo for twelve years. A practicing attorney, Foster specializes in sports law and has represented numerous Olympic and professional athletes. He also teaches a graduate-level sports law course at Long Beach State University. He lives in Long Beach, California.