Mark Spitz on Racing Michael Phelps: "We Would Probably Tie"

Swimmer Michael Phelps smashed Mark Spitz 's record by winning his eighth gold medal in Beijing on Sunday. So who would win a race between the two? "I certainly would know what would make him tick, and how to beat him," Spitz, who won seven gold medals in Munich in 1972, told NBC, "and he would certainly know the same about me, so I would have to say, we would probably tie." See more Olympic hunks The 23-year-old Phelps, who broke seven world records during the 2008 Games, also became the most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 14 career gold medals. Said Spitz, 58, "the word that comes to mind: epic." See other celeb fans of the Olympics. He said he knew Phelps would win big after watching him compete four years ago in Athens. "Now the whole world knows," Spitz said. "We are so proud of you here, Michael, in America, and the way you've handled yourself." Spitz — who admitted he was "a bit upset" he was not invited to Beijing to watch the competition — couldn't ... (link)