Editing Mark Spitz (section)

===Retirement===

Following the Munich Olympics, Spitz retired from competition even though he was only 22 years old.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.today.com/news/mark-spitz-i-m-just-regular-guy-who-achieved-olympic-t100820|title=Mark Spitz: I'm 'just a regular guy' who achieved Olympic swimming glory|website=TODAY.com|date=July 14, 2016 }}</ref>

At age 41, Spitz attempted a comeback for the [[1992 Summer Olympics]] after filmmaker [[Bud Greenspan]] offered him a million dollars if he succeeded in qualifying.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/thorpe-comeback-inspiring-spitz-20120905-25dr3.html|title=Thorpe comeback inspiring: Spitz|first=Rob|last=Forsaith|date=September 5, 2012|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Spitz's comeback attempt made the cover of ''Parade'' and was also reported on in ''Sports Illustrated'' and ''Esquire''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-07-19-sp-4669-story.html|title=COMMENTARY : Spitz's Comeback Sinks, Although He Is One Healthy 42-Year-Old|date=July 19, 1992|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> Filmed by Greenspan's cameras, Spitz was two seconds slower than the Olympic standard and failed to qualify.<ref name="auto"/>

In 1999, Spitz ranked No. 33 on ''[[ESPN]] SportsCentury 50 Greatest Athletes'', the only aquatic athlete to make the list.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.topendsports.com/world/lists/greatest-all-time/athletes-espn-century.htm|title=Top Athletes List of the 20th Century|website=www.topendsports.com}}</ref>