Jul 251 min read

Jewish Olympian - Mark Spitz

Mark Spitz (born 1950) is an American former competitive swimmer and Nine-time Olympic Champion.

He was the most successful athlete at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, winning Seven Gold medals, each in world-record time.

This achievement set a record that lasted for 36 years, until it was surpassed by fellow American Michael Phelps.

Spitz was born in California to a Jewish family, his father's family was from Hungary, and his mother's, originally surnamed Sklotkovick, was from Russia.

When Spitz was two years old, his family moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he swam at Waikiki beach every day.

At age six, his family returned to California, and he began to compete at his local swim club.

At age nine, he was training at Arden Hills Swim Club in Sacramento with swimming coach Sherm Chavoor, who mentored six other Olympic medal winners.

At only 10, Spitz held one world age-group record and 17 national records.

Spitz’s incredible accomplishments deserve recognition. He’s not only one of the greatest Jewish athletes in history but he’s also one of the greatest athletes, period.

Sports Illustrated ranked him No. 33 on a list of the 100 top athletes of the 20th century.

Post credit: Jewish History, Jewish Culture & Spirit