THE SIDELINES : Mark Spitz Planning Comeback

Mark Spitz, who won an all-time record seven gold medals in the 1972 Olympics, will try to qualify for the 1992 Games in the 100-meter butterfly, according to a published report.

A story in today’s editions of USA Today quoted the 39-year-old Spitz, considered the greatest swimmer in Olympic history, as saying he is training for the U.S. Olympic Trials, which will be held in 2 1/2 years.

A source told the Associated Press that Spitz is, indeed, attempting a comeback and believes he can do it.

Spitz, who will be 42 when the next Olympics are held in Barcelona, Spain, has turned down all interview requests, including major television shows.

Spitz not only won seven gold medals in the Games at Munich 17 years ago, he set seven world records. But he will now focus on just the one event, the 100-meter butterfly.

U.S. Swimming Inc. officials confirmed that Spitz was reinstated as an eligible competitor by FINA, the governing body for world aquatic sports.