- Winner of an unprecedented 7 gold medals in swimming at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Winner of 2 gold medals in the 1968 Mexico City olympics.
- Sons: Matthew (b. 1981) and Justin (b. 1991)
- Considered the swiftest swimmer of all time, made his big splash during the 1972 Olympics, becoming the first athlete to win seven gold medals in an Olympiad. His performances were even more remarkable considering world records were set in all seven events.
- Still only aged 22, he retired from swimming after the Munich Olympics.
- After he won the 200m free-style in the 1972 (Munich) Olympics, he celebrated by swinging his sneakers in front of the cameras. He had to explain to the organizing committee that he was just euphoric, not doing publicity.
- 1967: In the Pan-American Games (Winnipeg), he won five gold medals.
- 1983: Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (charter member).
- American swimming sensation 19-year old Michael Phelps aspired to break Spitz's record of 7 gold medals, at the Athens Olympics. Phelps, however, had to settle for 8 medals, 6 gold, and 2 bronze, respectively.
- Idol of Australian freestyle swimmer and 9-time Olympic champion, Ian Thorpe.
- 1977: Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
- 1979: Inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
- 1971: Won the Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the USA.
- 2007: Inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
- He is a motivational speaker and stockbroker in Los Angeles, California. (July 2008)
- Appears in the infomercial, hosted by Christopher Steele and Mindy Mylrea, for the "Orbitek Elite" fitness workout. (2007)
- Lives in Southern California where he sells luxury homes and designs pools. (November 2001)
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