Mark Spitz met Michael Phelps for the first time on Saturday
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Mark Spitz has backed 19-year-old Michael Phelps to surpass his 1972 record seven Olympic gold medal haul.
Olympic legend Spitz met Phelps for the first time at the US trials in Long Beach on Saturday.
"I think he really has a chance to do this," said Spitz. "That's one of the things I told him.
"It's a great opportunity for Michael, it's a great opportunity for swimming, and it's also a great opportunity for the Olympics."
Phelps collected his third title of the meeting with victory in the 200m butterfly, before receiving his medal from Spitz.
But Phelps refused to reveal what Spitz had said to him on the podium.
"We'll keep that between him and me, but it was definitely inspirational," he said.
After winning the 200m freestyle final on Friday, Phelps said he was looking forward to taking on Ian Thorpe in Athens.
"I love to race the best," said Phelps. "It definitely would be a little appealing."
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