In the world of Olympic athletes, some are famous for their extraordinary achievements in winning the most medals at the most Games. These athletes exemplify incredible skill, endurance, and dedication to the Olympic ideal. This individual has etched his name into Olympic lore, inspired a generation with extraordinary athleticism and endurance and is on the list of athletes who won the most Olympic medals. His vast collection of medals is a testament to his pursuit of unparalleled excellence on the global stage of the Olympics with the most winning medals.
Michael Phelps, a former American swimmer, holds the record for most Olympic medals in history. Phelps achieved this feat by winning 28 medals in five Olympic editions, from 2000 to 2016. His impressive tally includes 23 gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, cementing his status as the greatest Olympian of all time.
List of athletes who have won the most medals at the 2024 Olympics
The legend with the record for most Olympic medals
Michael Phelps: The Swimming Phenom | Country: United States Sports: swimming | Medals: 28 (23 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze)
Michael Phelps, often hailed as the greatest swimmer of all time, holds the record for the most Olympic medals won by an athlete. His journey began at the age of 15 at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he claimed his first international medal. Phelps went on to dominate the pool at five Olympic Games, from Athens 2004 to Rio 2016. Known for his unmatched versatility and endurance, Phelps collected an incredible 23 gold medals, including eight golds at Beijing 2008.
Larisa Latynina: Icon of Soviet Gymnastics | Country: Soviet Union Sports: Gymnastics Medals: 18 (9 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze)
Larisa Latynina made history as the most successful female Olympian before Michael Phelps. Competing for the Soviet Union in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympics, Latynina displayed unparalleled talent in gymnastics, excelling in the floor exercise, balance beam, and uneven bars. His good looks and technical precision earned him 18 Olympic medals, including nine gold.
Marit Bjorgen: Cross-Country Ski Champion | Country: Norway Sports: Cross-country skiing (Winter Olympics) | Medals: 15 (8 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze)
Marit Bjorgen is the most decorated Winter Olympian in history, known for her dominance in cross-country skiing. Bjorgen’s Olympic journey spanned from Salt Lake City 2002 to PyeongChang 2018, where he displayed incredible endurance and technique on snow-covered tracks. With a total of 15 Olympic medals, including eight golds, Bjorgen’s achievements cemented his status as a legend in winter sports.
Nikolai Andrianov: The Soviet Gymnastic Powerhouse | Country: Soviet Union Sports: Gymnastics Medals: 15 (7 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze)
Nikolai Andrianov left an indelible mark on gymnastics as one of the most successful male gymnasts in Olympic history. Competing in three Olympics from 1972 to 1980, Andrianov’s strong performances in the floor exercise, pommel horse, and rings earned him a total of 15 Olympic medals. His ability to combine strength, agility, and artistic talent made him a formidable competitor and beloved figure in Soviet sports.
Ole Einar Bjorndalen: Legend of Biathlon | Country: Norway Sports: Biathlon (Winter Olympics) | Medals: 13 (8 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze)
Ole Einar Bjorndalen redefined the sport of biathlon with his exceptional shooting and skiing skills. Competing in an astonishing six Olympics from 1994 to 2014, Bjorndalen collected a total of 13 Olympic medals, including eight golds. His ability to maintain precision during intense physical training makes him a dominant force on the biathlon course.
Boris Shakhlin: Soviet Gymnastics Maestro | Country: Soviet Union Sports: Gymnastics Medals: 13 (7 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze)
Boris Shakhlin captivated audiences with his incredible skill and versatility in gymnastics during the 1960s. Competing in three Olympics, Shakhlin’s performances on vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bars earned him a total of 13 Olympic medals. The ability to excel in a variety of equipment demonstrates technical precision and physical strength.
Edoardo Mangiarotti: The Fencing Maestro | Country: Italy | Sports: Fencing Medals: 13 (6 gold, 5 silver, 2 bronze)
Edoardo Mangiarotti remains one of the most decorated fencers in Olympic history, competing in foil and epee events in six Olympic Games from 1936 to 1960. Exceptional skills, tactical skills, and sportsmanship earned a total of 13 Olympic medals. Mangiarotti’s ability to adapt his fencing style to different opponents and situations makes him a strong contender on the Olympic stage.
Ireen Wust: Speed ​​Skating Champion |Country: The Netherlands Sports: Speed ​​​​skating (Winter Olympics) |Medals: 13 (6 gold, 5 silver, 2 bronze)
Ireen Wust has etched her name in the history of the Winter Olympics as the most successful Dutch Olympian, excelling in speed skating in five Olympic Games from 2006 to 2022. Known for her powerful strides and strategic racing tactics, Wust’s dominance in the sprint and distance events. a total of 13 Olympic medals, including six gold.
Takashi Ono: Pioneer of Japanese Gymnastics | Country: Japan Sports: Gymnastics Medals: 13 (5 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze)
Takashi Ono made history as one of Japan’s greatest gymnasts, competing in multiple events at four Olympic Games from 1952 to 1964. Known for his technical precision and innovative routines on floor, pommel horse, and rings, Ono earned a total of 13 Olympic medals.
Paavo Nurmi: Finnish Running Legend | Country: Finland | Sports: Athletic | Medals: 12 (9 gold, 3 silver, 0 bronze)
Paavo Nurmi remains one of the greatest middle- and long-distance runners in Olympic history, competing in track events at three Olympics from 1920 to 1928. Known for his incredible endurance and tactical racing strategy, Nurmi earned a total of 12 Olympic medals, including nine gold.
This legendary Olympian was not only an incredible success on the world’s biggest sporting stage but also inspired millions of people with dedication, perseverance and sportsmanship.
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