Olympic swimming legend Mark Spitz was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat, a rep for Spitz confirmed.
Spitz has worked with doctors over the last year to manage the condition, according to a social media post Wednesday, the 47th anniversary of winning his seventh gold medal at the Munich Olympics.
“After competing at that level, I never imagined that I would be diagnosed with a heart condition like this one,” was posted on Spitz’s Facebook and Twitter. “I feel lucky that I was able to catch this before it put me at serious risk for other heart complications. I look forward to spreading awareness about AFib as I learn more about this condition and live with my own diagnosis.”
Spitz, 69, held the record of seven golds at a single Games until Michael Phelps broke it with eight at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He covered the Rio Olympics for Brazilian TV.
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Some personal news... I was recently diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and have been working with doctors over the last year to manage my condition.
— Mark Spitz (@markspitzusa) September 4, 2019
I feel lucky that I was able to catch this before it put me at serious risk for other heart complications. I look forward to spreading awareness about AFib as I learn more about this condition and live with my own diagnosis.
— Mark Spitz (@markspitzusa) September 4, 2019