Actually, Paulson did it more than twice. From the link posted above here are the numbers for the 2008 and 2009:
In 2008 his funds were on the top of the listed 20 HFs in the marketfolly link:
"Paulson & Co (John Paulson): Their Credit Opportunities I & II funds were up about 15% for the year as of the middle of December. Paulson's Advantage fund was up 2.2% for December and up 24.1% for 2008. His Advantage Plus fund finished +37.58% for the year. "
So in a year when the market was down -38%, (and HFs -18%) his funds did very well...way outperforming the market and the rest...
In 2009:
John Paulson's firm Paulson & Co
Advantage Fund: +13.75%
Advantage Plus Fund: +21%
Credit Opportunities Fund: +34%
Recovery Fund: +24.2%