The athletes who have won the most Olympic medals have gone down in the history of sporting events that are repeated occasionally. In every 4 years, the Olympic Games have been held, inspired by antiquity. Every country participates in the Olympic Games. Do you know who holds the title of most Olympic medal winner? American swimmer Michael Phelps won 28 medals, 23 of which were gold. Let’s know about all the athletes who won the most Olympic medals in history-
Overview Table: Top 20 Athletes with the Most Olympic Medals
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Sport | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total Medals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Phelps | U.S. | Swimming | 23 | 3 | 2 | 28 |
| 2 | Larisa Latynina | U.S.S.R. | Gymnastics | 9 | 5 | 4 | 18 |
| 3 | Marit Bjørgen | Norway | Skiing | 8 | 4 | 3 | 15 |
| 4 | Nikolay Andrianov | U.S.S.R. | Gymnastics | 7 | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| 5 | Ole Einar Bjørndalen | Norway | Skiing | 8 | 4 | 1 | 13 |
| 6 | Boris Shakhlin | U.S.S.R. | Gymnastics | 7 | 4 | 2 | 13 |
| 7 | Edoardo Mangiarotti | Italy | Fencing | 6 | 5 | 2 | 13 |
| 8 | Ono Takashi | Japan | Gymnastics | 5 | 4 | 4 | 13 |
| 9 | Paavo Nurmi | Finland | Athletics | 9 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| 10 | Birgit Fischer | Germany | Kayaking | 8 | 4 | 0 | 12 |
| 11 | Bjørn Daehlie | Norway | Skiing | 8 | 4 | 0 | 12 |
| 12 | Katō Sawao | Japan | Gymnastics | 8 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| 13 | Jenny Thompson | U.S. | Swimming | 8 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| 14 | Isabell Werth | Germany | Equestrian | 7 | 5 | 0 | 12 |
| 15 | Ryan Lochte | U.S. | Swimming | 6 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
| 16 | Dara Torres | U.S. | Swimming | 4 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
| 17 | Alexei Nemov | Russia | Gymnastics | 4 | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| 18 | Natalie Coughlin | U.S. | Swimming | 3 | 4 | 5 | 12 |
| 19 | Mark Spitz | U.S. | Swimming | 9 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| 20 | Ireen Wüst | Netherlands | Speed Skating | 6 | 5 | 2 | 11 |
Top 20 Athletes with the Most Olympic Medals:-
1. Michael Phelps:
He is the absolute king of Olympism. He is an American swimmer. Six-time Olympic champion in Athens 2004 (100 and 200 butterflies, 200 and 400 medley, 4×200 free and 4×100 medley), eight in Beijing 2008 (200 free, 100 and 200 butterfly, 200 and 400 medley, 4×100 and 4×200 free and 4×100 medley ), four in London 2012 (100 butterfly, 200 medley, 4×200 free and 4×100 medley) and five in Rio 2016 (200 butterfly, 200 medley, 4×100 and 4×200 free and 4×100 medley).
- Country: U.S.
- Sports: swimming
- Gold: 23
- Silver: 3
- Bronze: 2
2. Larisa Latynina:
She is a Ukrainian gymnast. She is the most successful woman in the history of the Olympic Games. She was the Olympic team champion in Melbourne in 1956, Rome in 1960 and Tokyo in 1964, she also won gold in the individual general competition in 1956 and 1960 and four apparatus titles: on the floor in 1956, 1960 and 1964 and on vault in 1956, in an Australian event in which he won four gold medals.
- Country: U.S.S.R.
- Sports: gymnastics
- Gold: 9
- Silver: 5
- Bronze: 4
3. Marit Bjørgen:
She is a Norwegian cross-country skier and one of the greatest in her sport till now. She has won a total of 15 Olympic medals, including 8 golds, making her the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time. Her gold medals were won in 2010 (two), 2014 (three), and 2018 (three).
- Country: Norway
- Sports: skiing
- Gold: 8
- Silver: 4
- Bronze: 3
4. Nikolay Andrianov:
He is a Soviet gymnast who won 15 Olympic medals, including 7 golds, between 1972 and 1980. His victories include gold medals in floor exercise (1972, 1976), vault (1976), rings (1976), team all-around (1976, 1980), and individual all-around (1976).
- Country: U.S.S.R.
- Sports: gymnastics
- Gold: 7
- Silver: 5
- Bronze: 3
5. Ole Einar Bjørndalen:
He is from Norway and a legendary biathlete with 13 Olympic medals, including 8 golds. His gold medals were earned in 1998 (two), 2002 (four), 2010 (one), and 2014 (one). He is known for his incredible consistency and strength in biathlon events.
- Country: Norway
- Sports: skiing
- Gold: 8
- Silver: 4
- Bronze: 1
6. Boris Shakhlin:
He is a Soviet gymnast who competed in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympics and holds a total of 13 medals, including 7 golds. His gold medals include wins in the 1960 individual all-around, pommel horse, horizontal bar, parallel bars, and team all-around, as well as the 1956 vault and 1964 pommel horse.
- Country: U.S.S.R.
- Sports: gymnastics
- Gold: 7
- Silver: 4
- Bronze: 2
7. Ireen Wüst:
He is a Dutch speed skater who has won 11 Olympic medals, including 6 golds, making her the most successful speed skater in Olympic history. She won gold medals in 2006 (one), 2010 (one), 2014 (two), 2018 (one), and 2022 (one).
- Country: Netherlands
- Sports: speed skating
- Gold: 6
- Silver: 5
- Bronze: 2
8. Edoardo Mangiarotti:
He was an Italian fencer who won 13 Olympic medals, including 6 golds, over a span from 1936 to 1960. His gold medals were achieved in épée and team events across several Olympics, making him one of the most decorated fencers in history.
- Country: Italy
- Sports: Fencing
- Gold: 6
- Silver: 5
- Bronze: 2
9. Ono Takashi:
He is a Japanese gymnast who won 13 Olympic medals, including 5 golds, during the 1952, 1956, and 1960 Olympics. His gold medals were in the 1960 individual all-around, team all-around, horizontal bar (1956 and 1960), and parallel bars (1960).
- Country: Japan
- Sports: gymnastics
- Gold: 5
- Silver: 4
- Bronze: 4
10. Paavo Nurmi:
He is also known as the “Flying Finn,” and was a Finnish middle and long-distance runner who won 12 Olympic medals, including 9 golds, between 1920 and 1928. His gold medals were in events ranging from the 1500 metres to the cross-country team event, showcasing his versatility and dominance in distance running.
- Country: Finland
- Sports: skiing
- Gold: 9
- Silver: 3
- Bronze: 0
11. Birgit Fischer
Birgit Fischer is a legendary German kayaker who has won an astounding 12 Olympic medals, including 8 golds and 4 silvers. Her Olympic career spanned from 1980 to 2004, making her one of the longest-competing Olympians. Fischer’s versatility and endurance are evident in her medal haul across six different Olympic Games. She competed in various kayaking events, showcasing her prowess and contributing to Germany’s dominant presence in the sport. Fischer’s achievements have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest female Olympians of all time, inspiring future generations of athletes with her dedication and skill.
- Country: Germany
- Sports: Kayaking
- Gold: 8
- Silver: 4
- Bronze: 0
12. Bjørn Daehlie
Bjørn Daehlie is a renowned Norwegian cross-country skier, celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the Winter Olympics. He has secured a total of 12 medals, including 8 golds and 4 silvers, making him one of the most successful winter Olympians in history. Daehlie’s Olympic career spanned from 1992 to 1998, during which he dominated cross-country skiing events with his exceptional endurance and technique. His contributions to Norway’s skiing legacy are immense, and his sportsmanship and dedication have left an indelible mark on the sport. Daehlie remains a national hero and a symbol of excellence in winter sports.
- Country: Norway
- Sports: skiing
- Gold: 8
- Silver: 4
- Bronze: 0
13. Katō Sawao
Katō Sawao, a Japanese gymnast, is celebrated for his extraordinary performances in the Olympic Games. He has earned a total of 12 medals, including 8 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze, across the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. Katō’s success was pivotal in establishing Japan as a powerhouse in gymnastics. His gold medals in the individual all-around, team events, and various apparatuses highlight his versatility and exceptional skill. Katō’s dedication and graceful performances have made him a revered figure in gymnastics, inspiring countless athletes and contributing to the global recognition of Japanese gymnastics.
- Country: Japan
- Sports: gymnastics
- Gold: 8
- Silver: 3
- Bronze: 1
14. Jenny Thompson
Jenny Thompson is an accomplished American swimmer, renowned for her impressive Olympic career. She has amassed 12 Olympic medals, including 8 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze, making her one of the most decorated female swimmers in history. Competing in the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics, Thompson excelled in freestyle and butterfly events. Her remarkable speed and endurance contributed to numerous relay victories for the U.S. team. Thompson’s success in the pool has inspired generations of swimmers, and her legacy as a dominant force in women’s swimming remains influential in the sport.
- Country: U.S.
- Sports: swimming
- Gold: 8
- Silver: 3
- Bronze: 1
15. Isabell Werth
Isabell Werth is a distinguished German equestrian, celebrated for her exceptional achievements in dressage. With a total of 12 Olympic medals, including 7 golds and 5 silvers, Werth is the most successful equestrian in Olympic history. Her Olympic career, spanning from 1992 to 2021, showcases her enduring excellence and unparalleled skill in dressage. Werth’s partnership with her horses has led to numerous victories and has set a high standard in the sport. Her dedication, precision, and artistry in dressage have earned her global recognition, making her a revered figure in the equestrian community.
- Country: Germany
- Sports: Equestrian
- Gold: 7
- Silver: 5
- Bronze: 0
16. Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte is a renowned American swimmer who has earned a total of 12 Olympic medals, including 6 golds, 3 silvers, and 3 bronzes. Competing in the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics, Lochte has demonstrated his versatility and endurance across various swimming events, particularly in individual medley and freestyle. Known for his powerful strokes and competitive spirit, Lochte has been a key figure in maintaining the U.S. swimming team’s dominance. His achievements in the pool have made him one of the most decorated swimmers in Olympic history, contributing significantly to the sport’s popularity.
- Country: US
- Sports: swimming
- Gold: 6
- Silver: 3
- Bronze: 3
17. Dara Torres
Dara Torres is an iconic American swimmer who has won 12 Olympic medals, including 4 golds, 4 silvers, and 4 bronzes. Competing in five different Olympic Games (1984, 1988, 1992, 2000, and 2008), Torres has shown remarkable longevity and adaptability in her swimming career. Specializing in freestyle, she has set numerous records and inspired many with her comeback at age 41 during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she won three silver medals. Torres’ dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent have made her a celebrated figure in swimming and a role model for athletes worldwide.
- Country: US
- Sports: swimming
- Gold: 4
- Silver: 4
- Bronze: 4
18. Alexei Nemov
Alexei Nemov is a distinguished Russian gymnast who has earned 12 Olympic medals, including 4 golds, 2 silvers, and 6 bronzes. Competing in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, Nemov showcased his versatility and flair across various apparatuses, making him a fan favorite. His charismatic performances and technical prowess earned him high praise and numerous accolades. Nemov’s achievements have significantly contributed to Russia’s gymnastics legacy, and his sportsmanship and dedication to the sport have left a lasting impact. His memorable routines and numerous medals have solidified his status as one of the greatest gymnasts in Olympic history.
- Country: Russia
- Sports: gymnastics
- Gold: 4
- Silver: 2
- Bronze: 6
19. Natalie Coughlin
Natalie Coughlin is an accomplished American swimmer with 12 Olympic medals, including 3 golds, 4 silvers, and 5 bronzes. Competing in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics, Coughlin excelled in backstroke, freestyle, and medley events. She made history by becoming the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 100-meter backstroke. Known for her exceptional technique and versatility, Coughlin has been a key contributor to the U.S. swimming team’s success. Her achievements have made her one of the most decorated female swimmers, inspiring many young athletes to pursue competitive swimming.
- Country: U.S.
- Sports: swimming
- Gold: 3
- Silver: 4
- Bronze: 5
20. Mark Spitz
Mark Spitz is an iconic American swimmer who won 11 Olympic medals, including 9 golds, 1 silver, and 1 bronze. Competing in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics, Spitz became a legend by winning seven gold medals in a single Olympics (Munich 1972), each in world record time, a record that stood for decades. His dominance in freestyle and butterfly events set new standards in swimming. Spitz’s incredible achievements and charismatic presence brought global attention to swimming, inspiring future generations of athletes. His legacy as one of the greatest Olympians remains influential in the world of sports.
- Country: U.S.
- Sports: swimming
- Gold: 9
- Silver: 1
- Bronze: 1
Conclusion:-
These are the top 20 athletes who hold the maximum number of Olympic medals in the history of the Olympic Games. The next Olympic Games, Paris 2024, will be held on Fri, 26 Jul, 2024 – Sun, 11 Aug, 2024. It is organised in France. and going to the biggest event ever organised by the France.
FAQs:-
- Who has won the most Olympic medals?
- Michael Phelps holds the record with 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds.
- Which female athlete has the most Olympic medals?
- Larisa Latynina, a Ukrainian gymnast, with 18 medals.
- Who is the most decorated Winter Olympian?
- Marit Bjørgen, a Norwegian cross-country skier, with 15 medals.
- Which gymnast has the most Olympic medals?
- Larisa Latynina, with 18 medals.
- Who holds the record for the most gold medals in the Olympics?
- Michael Phelps, with 23 gold medals.
- Which biathlete has the most Olympic medals?
- Ole Einar Bjørndalen, with 13 medals.
- Who is the most decorated Olympic swimmer?
- Michael Phelps, with 28 medals.
- Which speed skater has the most Olympic medals?
- Ireen Wüst, with 11 medals.
- Who is the most decorated athlete in fencing?
- Edoardo Mangiarotti, with 13 medals.
- Who is the most successful Olympian from the Soviet Union?
- Larisa Latynina, with 18 medals.