With the Summer Olympics in full swing, many superstars are adding to their career medal count. Let’s take a look at the most decorated Olympians of all time.
1. Michael Phelps: 28 medals in Swimming for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 2004-2016.
2. Larisa Latynina: 18 medals in Gymnastics for the Soviet Union in the Summer Olympics from 1956-1964.
3 (tie). Marit Bjorgen: 15 medals in Cross-Country Skiing for Norway in the Winter Olympics from 2002-2018.
3 (tie). Nikolai Andrianov: 15 medals in Gymnastics for the Soviet Union in the Summer Olympics from 1972-1980.
5 (tie). Ole Einar Bjorndalen: 13 medals in Biathlon for Norway in the Winter Olympics from 1998-2014.
5 (tie). Boris Shakhlin: 13 medals in Gymnastics for the Soviet Union in the Summer Olympics from 1956-1964.
5 (tie). Edoardo Mangiarotti: 13 medals in Fencing for Italy in the Summer Olympics from 1936-1960.
5 (tie). Ireen Wust: 13 medals in Speed Skating for the Netherlands in the Winter Olympics from 2006-2022.
5 (tie). Taskashi Ono: 13 medals in Gymnastics for Japan in the Summer Olympics from 1952-1964.
5 (tie). Katie Ledecky: 13 medals (and counting) in Swimming for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 2012-2024.
Now let’s take a look at the athletes who have won the most Olympic Gold Medals.
1. Michael Phelps: 23 Gold Medals in Swimming for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 2004-2016.
2 (tie). Mark Spitz: 9 Gold Medals in Swimming for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 1968-1972.
2 (tie). Larisa Latynina: 9 Gold Medals in Gymnastics for the Soviet Union in the Summer Olympics from 1956-1964.
2 (tie). Paavo Nurmi: 9 Gold Medals in Athletics for Finland in the Summer Olympics from 1920-1928.
2 (tie). Carl Lewis: 9 Gold Medals in Athletics for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 1984-1988.
6 (tie). Marit Bjorgen: 8 Gold Medals in Cross-Country Skiing for Norway in the Winter Olympics from 2002-2018.
6 (tie). Ole Einar Bjorndalen: 8 Gold Medals in Biathlon for Norway in the Winter Olympics from 1998-2014.
6 (tie). Bjorn Daehlie: 8 Gold Medals in Cross-Country Skiing for Norway in the Winter Olympics from 1992-1998.
6 (tie). Birgit Fischer: 8 Gold Medals in Canoeing for Germany in the Summer Olympics from 1980-2004.
6 (tie). Sawao Kato: 8 Gold Medals in Gymnastics for Japan in the Summer Olympics from 1968-1976.
6 (tie). Jenny Thompson: 8 Gold Medals in Swimming for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 1992-2004.
6 (tie). Matt Biondi: 8 Gold Medals in Swimming for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 1984-1992.
6 (tie). Usain Bolt: 8 Gold Medals in Athletics for Jamaica in the Summer Olympics from 2008-2016.
6 (tie). Caeleb Dressel: 8 Gold Medals in Swimming for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 2016-2024.
6 (tie). Ray Ewry: 8 Gold Medals in Athletics for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 1900-1908.
6 (tie). Katie Ledecky: 8 Gold Medals (and counting) in Swimming for the USA in the Summer Olympics from 2012-2024.
These athletes have left an indelible mark on Olympic history with their exceptional performances and dedication to their sports. Keep following the Summer Olympics to witness more incredible feats from these outstanding competitors.