Mark Spitz snubbed over Michael Phelps eighth gold presentation
Filed Under: Sports | By: Peter Chubb
Aug 14, 2008 | Comments 4
For 36 years swimmers and all over Olympians has been living in the shadow of one man, Mark Spitz. The swimmer won seven gold’s in the 1972 Munich Olympics, but that record might be taken away from him by Michael Phelps.
Spitz feels that the International Olympic Committee has demeaned him, as he has not even been considered to hand over Phelps eighth gold medal if he manages to win it.
Spitz would like to appear at the games but said yesterday that he would not attend without a formal invitation. He said that he would like to present Phelps with the history-making medals, but the swimming’s world governing body Fina and even broadcasters have overlooked him.
Spitz said “I never got invited, you don’t go to the Olympics just to say, ‘I am going to go’ – especially because of who I am. [Am I] going to sit there and watch Michael Phelps break my record anonymously? That’s almost demeaning to me. It is not almost – it is.”
Could you imagine what a great moment it would be to see Mark Spitz hand over that Eighth gold medal to Michael Phelps, that moment would be priceless to both swimmers and the rest of the world.
CLICK HERE to keep updated with the latest entertainment news, Follow us on Twitter or leave a comment.
Having Mark Spitz on site to deliver Michael Phelps his 8th gold medal would make this historical event more meaningful to all concerned. Phelps probably idolizes Spitz and has at one time or another set his goal of matching, if not breaking his records. This would be a dream come true and a significant moment not only in US sports history, but in World Olympic history. We should not miss out on such an opportunity. Please encourage the appropriate parties to send a formal invitation to Mark Spitz immediately. This is a small request for such a noteworthy event. Perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity!
I wonder if Janet Evans was personally invited to be on hand in case someone broke her 19-year old (though not 36-year old) 800m world swimming record. If not invited, I see that she was still on hand to watch that feat. I think that Spitz should have made it known that he would like to present the medal, if Michael received the 8th. He should not have assumed that Fina/the IOC would know that he wanted to do so. Then, after communicating that desire to the appropriate organization, plans could have been made for his appearance.
Yes! It was so fun watching the Olympics last night, and seeing the sportsmanship between the two men. I must admit, even though I’m now old myself, I didn’t even recognize Mark Spitz. White hair? No mustache? Good looking guy, still.
(Maybe we’ll see him do some ads…for Coppertone, perhaps?)
I do think it was an oversight not to invite the previous champion, but who knows? Perhaps his record will stand at a tie? It’s up to all four team members, and as we all know, anything can happen in an Olympic event.
I still think Phelps will get that 8th tomorrow. What a reach! I told my husband he got his seventh medal only because his arm span is 6′ 7″. Boy, that was fun to watch!
I guess he’s been checked for Marfan’s Syndrome…it’s really unusual to have your wings longer than your head-to-tail!
Mark Spitz is a prima donna, as evidenced by his quote, above: “…because of who I am.” If he had any class he would have gone there on his own, sat with Mrs. Phelps, and congratulated Michael when it was over.
Buh bye, Mark.