He was determined to improve on this and he did in record-breaking fashion, earning seven gold medals and seven world records at the 1972 Munich Games.
He won individual gold in the 100 and 200 meter freestyle, 100 and 200 meter butterfly, and anchored three gold medal-winning relay teams.
The tragic day of September 5, 1972 saw eight Palestinians break into the Olympic Village, kill two Israelis, and take another nine hostage. The hostages were later killed when German police intervened.
Spitz, a Jewish-American, was naturally saddened and left Munich early.
Upon returning, Spitz found wealth and fame, and with his competitive juices still flowing, made an unsuccessfull comeback in the early 1990's.
Olympic Legends
