Mark Spitz-Professional Life, Net Worth, Height, Age, Parents

Mark Spitz is a retired American competitive swimmer. One of the most decorated Olympians in history and the most decorated Olympian of his generation, Spitz held the record for the most Olympic gold medals in one event (seven) for 36 years before being dethroned by fellow Americans swimmer, Michael Phelps(eight).

As of June 2020, Mark Spitz holds a net worth of $20 million. In this article, we look at the career of the legendary swimmer and Olympian to get behind the source of his vast wealth.

Mark Spitz: Net Worth & Salary Breakdown

Competitive Swimming Career

Growing up in Hawaii, Mark Spitz was adept at swimming at a very early age. Even when his parents returned to California when he was 6, Spitz continued to swim. He swam all through high school and won many national awards. He set a world record — the first of many — at 17 in the 400-meter freestyle.

His first international competition was the 1965 Maccabiah Games held in Tel Aviv, Israel. He won four gold medals and was named “the most outstanding athlete”.

His return in 1969 yielded in six gold medals and again the distinction of “the most outstanding athlete”.

His first taste of the Olympics came in the 1968 Summer Olympics in New Mexico, when Spitz — who, at the time, was the holder of 10 world records in swimming — let his ego get the better of him and disappointed.

Spitz realized the error of his ways and enrolled in Indiana University where he trained under the legendary swimming coach, Doc Counsilman. Under his tutelage, Spitz went on to win seven individual NCAA collegiate titles and set numerous world records.

His crowning moment came at the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich, Germany. Not only did he win seven individual gold medals — a record that would not be broken until 2008, 36 years later –, but he also set world records in all seven events.

Despite the unprecedented feat, effectively making him a national hero and the greatest Olympian of the time, Spitz retired from active competition at 22.

Career after Retirement

After his retirement, Spitz tried different career alternatives, including a brief spell in showbiz. He made the rounds of TV talk shows and had spoofs as himself in a Bob Hope specials. He also worked as a sports presenter and broadcaster.

He reportedly made $7 million in two years through endorsement deals, but when it was clear that he was not returning, those endorsement deals died off.

Spitz found success in real estate brokerage and admittedly made $1 million a year and bought a Ferrari. He became a stockbroker in 2002 and has since moved to private equity.

Spitz is also a motivational speaker and travels the world to deliver up to 25 speeches a year.

How Old is Mark Spitz? His Age, Height, and Parents

Mark Spitz was born Mark Andrew Spitz on February 10, 1950; the oldest of three, to a Hungarian father, Arnold Spitz, and a Russian mother, Lenore Sylvia Smith. He stands at 6 feet (1.83 meters).

The 70-year-old was born in Modesto, California, but moved with his family to Honolulu, Hawaii, where his love for swimming began to take shape.

His family returned to California and settled in Sacramento when Mark was six. Mark attended Santa Clara High School and upon graduation, enrolled in Indiana University. He was a pre-dental student but dropped out when his competitive swimming career started to take off.

Is Mark Spitz Married? His Relationships, Wife, and Children

Mark Spitz has been in a long-standing marriage with his wife of forty-seven years, Susan Ellen Weiner.

Weiner had been a student at UCLA and a part-time model. They came to know each other through their parents, who were business associates.

They tied the knot on May 6, 1973, in a traditional Jewish ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The couple has two children together: sons Matthew (born in October 1981), and Justin (born in September 1991).

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