Who's better - Michael Phelps or Mark Spitz?

Triathlon Forum
1

My vote goes to Mark Spitz. I think Mark Spitz did it without the use of speedsuits, massages, and today’s training techniques.

Mark Andrew Spitz (born February 10, 1950) is a two-time American Olympic swimming champion and the first Olympian to win nine gold medals and to establish a new world record in each of the nine gold medal races. Between 1968 and 1972, Spitz won nine Olympic gold medals, one silver, and one bronze; five Pan American golds; 31 National U.S. Amateur Athletic Union titles; and eight U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships. During those years, he set 33 world records. He was named World Swimmer of the Year in 1969, 1971 and 1972.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/olympics/phelpsspitz533.jpg

http://blogdeadolfo.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/markspitz.jpg

2

The talent was not as deep when spitz was swimming…spitz just said last night phelps is the greatest…

My vote goes to Phelps.

3

Spitz swam in a speedo. He is the best.

4

I vote for Spitz, 7 golds 7 world records. Phelps didn’t get the WR in the 100 fly. Also, look at the stache and hair, he could have shaved (literally) a second or so off his times without the drag.

5

Spitz swam in a speedo. He is the best.

Spitz swam with a mustache. Phelps shaved his. Thus, Spitz is the best.

6

Spitz swam in a speedo. He is the best.

Well, Phelps is swimming in a Speedo. :wink:

7

I bet you if they both jump in the pool Phelps beats Spitz every time. What is he 60 now?

8

Since everyone has access to the high tech suits, training techniques and massage I don’t see why that would make Spitz better.
Phelps gets my vote.

9

They are both great
.

10

for those who keep saying the suits are freaking moronic.

id bet every thing i own that if phelps swam in a tshirt he could OWN spitz

phelps is the greatest swimmer of all time. stupid people living in the 70s.

11

They are both great
Watching Mark Spitz is probably my earliest memory of seeing sports and the Olympics (I was 5). Looking at the video from NBC was a little stunning: they all look tiny compared to the muscled machines of modern swimming. Look how wiry Spitz was in comparison.

Which only goes to support the idea that it was just a different era. If Spitz and Phelps switched eras I think you would see a comparable outcome.

12

Yeah. 'Cause 7 WR and 8 gold medals is worse.

13

That’s the only right answer. It’s like trying to compare Nicklaus and Tiger and in the same way Phelps has transcended sport.

14

no goggles either. hard core

15

The swimming pools are now a lot faster. Also Phelps has a warm down pool and 5 coaches. Spitz warmed down in the shower.

16

No 50 free back then either. Could have been anther gold for Spitz.

17

ummm…phelps swims under the same conditions as his competitors. i don’t see how the new technology impacts upon any comparisons to spitz?

phelps has also had to swim semis as well as finals, whereas spitz didn’t. phelps over spitz imo. plus the competition at these games has been amazing.

18

The swimming pools are now a lot faster. Also Phelps has a warm down pool and 5 coaches. Spitz warmed down in the shower.
Is that a joke or were you serious?

19

I wonder how the whole amatuer vs. pro thing plays into it. I don’t think they could take money in 1972. All Phelps does is eat sleep and swim.

20

Someone confirm this if you know for sure, but I thought I heard that Phelps total times raced (counting all the prelims) this week (not just because he was doing 8 events instead of 7), exceeded the total times raced by Spitz. This makes it more amazing to me that he got through with 8 golds. Granted he owes a ton to some great relay teammates!