Mark Spitz has responded publicly for the first time to an article in Express Sports UK, who reported that Spitz claims that Michael Phelps didn’t actually win the gold medal in the men’s 100 fly at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
2008 Olympic Final, 100 Butterfly: Michael Phelps celebrations winning by .01 (courtesy of USpresswire)
In the interview, Spitz emphasized that Phelps is the “greatest Olympian of all time,” and sympathized with Phelps’ recent struggles with alcohol, but the headline-catching quote was one about the photo-finish in the 100 fly that left a cloud of uncertainty on the result of what was at the time the best rivalry in swimming.
“I was sent an email posted by Omega that said he had lost the race,” the paper quoted Spitz. “If they were the official time keeper why wasn’t that available moments after the race? I don’t believe he won the race but he’s still the greatest swimmer in the world, with or without that medal.”
Today, in an exclusive comment to SwimSwam, Spitz says that his quote was misconstrued.
“It is unfortunate that my quote was misconstrued regarding Omega, Michael Phelps and his race at the 2008 Olympics,” Spitz said via email. “I thought I was clear that I was forwarded some e mail links and social media posts floating around the internet pertaining to the race with Mike Cavic. The writer decided to take creative license and say I got this from Omega. Omega has never sent me any communication in any form regarding this race or any other race. Again, I re-iterate my comment that Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympic swimmer of all time!”
The 100 fly was one of 8 gold medals won by Phelps at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, breaking Mark Spitz’s single-games record of 7 at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
he broke your record so you didn’t like that, same on you he is american and you are american.
This is inconsequential. At the 2008 Olympic Trials, Mark Spitz was given a standing ovation by the entire crowd when he was announced just before he gave the awards for the 200 fly. We are very fortunate as swimmers to have Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps, two of the greatest Olympians of all time be as recognized as they are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yhkzA7js1I
Enough with the conspiracy theories and re writing history. Cavic might have been at the lead at 99.9 meters but he wasn’t at 100.0 ! As they say it isn’t over till the fat lady sings…
Look at the frame-by-frame including the close-up of Cavic’s fingers at the moment of Phelps’ touch. I remember seeing these in 2008 and just feeling good that they’d got it right.
http://www.si.com/olympics/photos/2012/07/24-0phelps-frame-by-frame/5
Just an amazing touch-out.
I knew Mark quite well at SCSC in the 60s. I really don’t believe he has a mean bone in his body. Sometimes he might speak without fully thinking it out, but don’t we all? He was a great athlete and has done a lot for the sport … Cut him some slack!
Does anyone remember Matt biondi gliding in thinking he won the gold in the 100 fly to be out touched by another swimmer. This is our sport. U Must hit the pad hard enough to activate the timing system.
I believe the other swimmer was Anthony Nesty, not positive, but I think so
Yep. You are correct.
Swimmers who want to win Olympic Gold practice, swimming, starts, turns and FINISHES (getting your hand on the wall fast and furious) ! Cavic had a lousy finish and it cost him the gold.