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The Russell/Spitz Rivalry : Speakers & Interviews



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Conor Yarbrough posted November 2 at 4:34pm.
Such a basass to call out spitz like that
Lauren posted October 9 at 8:07pm.
good job coach! very impressive
Noticing posted October 8 at 10:51pm.
Anybody notice how energized Doug gets as he recounts his not so subtle rivalry with another great swimmer? At the conclusion of his vignette about being so smart that he swam his pre-olympic...swimming harder than needed
style....against Mark again, take a gander at reverse-aging. Doug looks 15 years younger at the end of the video...Gotta give him lots of credit.
Wow posted October 8 at 10:06pm.
I'm glad that Mark Spitz is portrayed as a total hot-head a-hole in this vid. From what I hear Phelps is the same way. What is it with the greatest swimmers of all time?
Kellyyy posted October 8 at 9:10pm.
very tight.
awesome story coach!!
Old Master posted October 8 at 7:30pm.
"R-U-S-S-E-L-L: Russell's workouts hurt like hell!" That used to be on the backs of his swimmer's tee shirts. I am from the Panhandle of Texas where Coach Russell was a legend as an AAU coach at the Amarillo Aquatic Club back in the 70's. He produced some great swimmers (like Mike Richmond) that were just as tough mentally as their mentor. The new book on Spitz doesn't pay enough tribute to you, Coach. Spitz is a whiner, you are a winner. Good to see you, Coach!
Chris DeSantis posted October 8 at 10:53am.
I bet you he had a lot to do with how fast Mark was four years after this.
Mac-a-roni posted October 7 at 7:40pm.
this guy is tough as nails...suck it spitz!
Jon Lau posted October 7 at 5:57pm.
what an intense rivalry! they should go at it again head-to-head on television! i bet doug would win.
Mom posted October 7 at 7:55am.
I loved his honesty-you just don't see that often! Also his clarity of past events!! I'm curious what he is doing now??
Brandon posted October 6 at 9:41pm.
Hey coach,
You definately did look cool in this so dont worry about it.(inside comment)
WIDEtotheNER posted October 6 at 8:18pm.
excellent. Garrett, if you get a copy of that race you should post it
Mike Richmond posted October 6 at 7:40pm.
Doug Russell is one of the most amazing people you will ever meet! I used to swim for him way back in Amarillo, Texas, and he is the reason I am coaching today at the University of Nevada in Reno. I've been trying to track him down for years, so if you read this and know how to contact him, or if you are reading this Coach Russell, drop me a note!
BigGuy posted October 6 at 5:43pm.
"That's how smart I am". You gotta love this guy. A little lengthy but worth every long pause. I can just envision Lochte or Crocker or Cavic giving this kind of interview 30 years from now.

Doug Russell


The Russell/Spitz Rivalry

October 6, 2008
Doug Russell was a world record holder in 3 events, and won multiple in international medals for the United States, including gold in the 100 butterfly at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. That year the silver went to Mark Spitz. Doug says the only thing that was close in the Spitz/Russell rivalry was the time separating first from second place.

About Doug Russell 

Organization:Nitro
College:The University Of Texas At Arlington
Bio:Doug was a world record holder in both the 100 butterfly, and 100 backstroke. Growing up in Texas he played all kinds of sports, but got serious about swimming when… ...More about Doug
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The Russell/Spitz Rivalry
The Russell/Spitz Rivalry