Mark Spitz Cracked The Olympic Code With Nine Gold Medals In One Year
Photo Credit: Rich Clarkson / Rich Clarkson & Associate via Getty Images
Mark Spitz retired from professional swimming at 22-years-old, and 100 percent earns his spot on this list. In 1972, he won seven gold medals at the Olympics. During his brief career, he won nine. His seven medals in one year was considered an impossible record to break until Michael Phelps came along.
Before calling it quits, Spitz set 35 world records. All before turning 22. He also became a favorite poster, known as much for his athleticism as he was for his good looks and mustache.
