MARK SPITZ ON RACING MICHAEL PHELPS: "WE WOULD PROBABLY TIE"

Swimmer Michael Phelps smashed Mark Spitz's record by winning his eighth gold medal in Beijing on Sunday.
So who would win a race between the two?
"I certainly would know what would make him tick, and how to beat him," Spitz, who won seven gold medals in Munich in 1972, told NBC, "and he would certainly know the same about me, so I would have to say, we would probably tie."
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The 23-year-old Phelps, who broke seven world records during the 2008 Games, also became the most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 14 career gold medals.
Said Spitz, 58, "the word that comes to mind: epic."
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He said he knew Phelps would win big after watching him compete four years ago in Athens.
"Now the whole world knows," Spitz said. "We are so proud of you here, Michael, in America, and the way you've handled yourself."
Spitz — who admitted he was "a bit upset" he was not invited to Beijing to watch the competition — couldn't resist taking a little credit for Phelps' performance.
"You know, you weren't born when I did what I did. I'm sure I was a part of your inspiration, and I take that as a full compliment," he said. "They say you judge one's character by the company that you keep, and I'm happy to keep company with you.
"I know that you will wear the crown well," he added.
Phelps — who has already announced he'll compete in the 2012 London Olympics — also stands to earn a windfall in endorsement deals following his big wins.
"If he's handled properly over the next four years, he should generate in excess of $40 million," Marc Ganis — president of Sportscorp Ltd., a Chicago-based sports business consulting firm — tells New York's Daily News.

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