The Paris Olympics 2024 has so far been a celebration of extraordinary talent and human spirit, having athletes from around the world as they compete for the ultimate glory. The same is the case with every edition of Olympics. Among these incredible individuals, one name shines brighter than the rest: Michael Phelps. This American swimmer is often referred to as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) when it comes to Olympic achievements.
Michael Phelps: The Greatest of All Time
Michael Phelps’ story is one of relentless dedication and unmatched success. Over the course of five Olympic Games, starting from the 2000 Sydney Olympics and then in the 2016 Rio Games, Phelps amassed a jaw-dropping 28 Olympic medals. This record-breaking collection includes 23 gold, three silver, and two bronze medals, making him the most decorated Olympian in history. His crowning moment came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he astonishingly won eight gold medals, setting the record for the most golds won at a single Summer Games.
Larisa Latynina
Phelps isn’t the only legend in Olympic history. Among female athletes, the former Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina stands tall. Competing in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympics, Latynina won a total of 18 medals, including nine golds, five silvers, and four bronzes. Her achievements set the gold standard in gymnastics and remained unmatched until Phelps surpassed her record.
Other Olympians And Their Records
Other remarkable Olympians include Soviet gymnast Nikolay Andrianov, who earned 15 medals across three Games, and three athletes tied with 13 medals each: Soviet gymnast Boris Shakhlin, Italian fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti, and Japanese gymnast Takashi Ono. These athletes have left an indelible mark on the history of the Olympics.
The United States: A Dominant Force
The United States leads the pack with an impressive total of over 3,000 Olympic medals, including 1,179 golds. The U.S. is followed by the Soviet Union with 1,204 medals (473 golds) and Germany with 1,058 medals (342 golds).
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
