Why compare Mark Spitz and Doug Russell?

Doug Russell was a contemporary rival of Spitz, famously defeating him in the 100-meter butterfly at the 1968 Olympics, which was a significant upset given Spitz's dominance leading up to the Games.

Mark Spitz

Key numbers

  • Olympic Gold Medals9
  • Olympic Silver Medals1
  • Olympic Bronze Medals1
  • Pan American Games Gold Medals5
  • Maccabiah Games Gold Medals10

Top honours

  • Olympic Gold Medals9 medals (1968, 1972)
  • Olympic Silver Medals1 medal (1968)
  • Olympic Bronze Medals1 medal (1968)
  • Pan American Games Gold Medals5 medals (1967)
  • Maccabiah Games Gold Medals10 medals
VS

Doug Russell

Key numbers

  • Olympic Gold Medals2
  • Olympic Silver Medals1
  • Total Olympic Medals3
  • World Records1

Top honours

  • Olympic Gold Medals2 medals
  • Olympic Silver Medals1 medal