Spitz Last in 100-Meter Butterfly, but Coach Says He Is Improving

Mark Spitz finished last, four seconds off the pace, Thursday in his first 100-meter butterfly race since 1972.

Spitz was timed in 58.77 seconds in the five-man race won by Brian Aldermann, who finished in 54.78. Martin Lopez Zubero of Spain finished second in 55.31 and Wade King was third at 55.59.

It is the third consecutive defeat for Spitz, 41, in his comeback. He needs a time of 55.59 seconds in the 100-meter fly to qualify for next year’s U.S. Olympic Trials.

“I feel great,” Spitz said before organizers whisked him away.

Coach Ron Ballatore also said he was encouraged.

“I feel very good about his chances of improving and making the standard to swim in our trials,” he said. “Mark was very good through 75 meters. He didn’t finish well, but the time was fine.”

In the day’s other race, Canary Islander Carlos Sanchez edged sprinter Tom Jager in a one-on-one 50-meter butterfly race.