Olympic Flashback – Mark Spitz Wins 7 Gold Medals [VIDEO]

The world's preeminent sporting event - the Olympic Games, will kick off this Friday, August 5 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The games will feature 42 different sports, 306 events, 37 venues, and 206 countries participating. We can't wait to cheer on Team USA!

Way before Michael Phelps swam to victory for the United States, we had Mark Spitz, who set a world record for the most Olympic gold medals ever won, at the 1972 Games. Mark Spitz enthralled the world, and was the most famous athlete of his time, not only winning all seven events that he entered, but setting a world record in each one. He was incredible, and America loved him!

Check out the Olympic video below of Mark Spitz and his unbelievable fete in 1972.