PHOENIX, Arizona, December 1. THE author of the new Mark Spitz biography participates in the latest Ready Room interview on The Morning Swim Show.
Rich Foster wrote "Mark Spitz: The Extraordinary Life of a Champion" and talks with host Brent Rutemiller about Spitz's "four-medal flop" at the 1968 Olympics, his redemption at the 1972 Games and Michael Phelps' achievement in Beijing. Foster believed Michael Phelps could not get seven golds because "so many things could go wrong."
Foster talks about the obstacles Spitz had to overcome in his pursuit of seven gold medals. Some of them include Steve Jenner, Spitz's competition in the 200 freestyle; and Jerry Heidenreich in the 100 freestyle.
Foster and Rutemiller draw many parallels between Spitz in 1972 and Phelps in 2008, from their technique prowess to financial success both reaped after their Olympic achievements. Foster also talks about Spitz's extremely competitive nature. Foster talks about one of Spitz's first races in which he wanted to win ribbons of better colors and how it drove him to win from then on.
Foster talks about the coaches who worked with Spitz, including "Doc" Counsilman's work with Spitz in terms of technique and how he brought Spitz out his funk after 1968.
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