The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement, where the best athletes from around the world compete for glory. Over the years, several athletes have etched their names into the annals of history by winning multiple gold medals.
This article explores the top ten athletes with the most gold medals in Olympic history, highlighting their remarkable achievements and the sports they dominated.
1. Michael Phelps (United States, Swimming) – 23 Gold Medals
Image source: My Swim Pro
Michael Phelps stands as the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a staggering 23 gold medals won between 2004 and 2016. Phelps’ dominance in the pool is unparalleled, and his ability to maintain peak performance across four Olympic Games is a testament to his training, skill, and mental fortitude.
His victories span a variety of events, including the butterfly, freestyle, and individual medleys, showcasing his versatility and supremacy in swimming.
Achievements
2004 Athens: 6 golds, 2 bronzes
2008 Beijing: 8 golds
2012 London: 4 golds, 2 silvers
2016 Rio de Janeiro: 5 golds, 1 silver
2. Larisa Latynina (Soviet Union, Gymnastics) – 9 Gold Medals
Image source: Olympics
Larisa Latynina is a legendary figure in gymnastics, holding the record for the most Olympic gold medals by a female athlete. Competing from 1956 to 1964, Latynina amassed a total of 18 Olympic medals, including 9 golds. Her achievements helped elevate the status of Soviet gymnastics on the global stage, and her record for the most overall medals stood for nearly half a century until it was surpassed by Michael Phelps in 2012.
Achievements
1956 Melbourne: 4 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze
1960 Rome: 3 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze
1964 Tokyo: 2 golds, 2 silvers, 2 bronzes
3. Marit Bjørgen (Norway, Cross-country Skiing) – 8 Gold Medals
Image source: USA Today Sports
Marit Bjørgen is the most successful female Winter Olympian in history, with 8 gold medals in cross-country skiing. Competing from 2002 to 2018, Bjørgen’s longevity and consistent excellence across five Olympic Games are remarkable. Her ability to perform in both individual and team events has made her a national hero in Norway and an icon in the world of winter sports.
Achievements
2010 Vancouver: 3 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze
2014 Sochi: 3 golds
2018 PyeongChang: 2 golds, 1 silver, 2 bronzes
4. Ole Einar Bjørndalen (Norway, Biathlon) – 8 Gold Medals
Image source: Britannica
Ole Einar Bjørndalen, known as the “King of Biathlon,” has an extraordinary record of 13 Olympic medals, including 8 golds, making him one of the most successful winter athletes ever. Competing from 1998 to 2014, Bjørndalen’s ability to excel in both skiing and shooting disciplines has set him apart as a biathlon legend.
Achievements
2002 Salt Lake City: 4 golds
2006 Turin: 1 gold, 2 silvers
2010 Vancouver: 1 gold, 1 silver
2014 Sochi: 2 golds
5. Katie Ledecky (United States, Swimming) – 8 Gold Medals
Image source: Katie Ledecky
Katie Ledecky is one of the most dominant female swimmers in history, with 8 gold medals to her name as of 2024. Known for her prowess in freestyle events, Ledecky’s performances have redefined the possibilities of what can be achieved in distance swimming. Her relentless work ethic and competitive spirit continue to inspire future generations of swimmers.
Achievements
2012 London: 1 gold
2016 Rio de Janeiro: 4 golds, 1 silver
2020 Tokyo: 2 golds, 2 silvers
2024 Paris: 1 gold
6. Nikolai Andrianov (Soviet Union, Gymnastics) – 7 Gold Medals
Image source: Jim Prestidge
Nikolai Andrianov was a dominant force in gymnastics during the 1970s and early 1980s. With a total of 15 Olympic medals, including 7 golds, Andrianov set records for his versatility and consistency across multiple apparatuses. His performances helped cement the Soviet Union’s reputation as a gymnastics powerhouse during his era.
Achievements
1972 Munich: 2 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze
1976 Montreal: 4 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze
1980 Moscow: 1 gold, 2 silvers, 1 bronze
7. Boris Shakhlin (Soviet Union, Gymnastics) – 7 Gold Medals
Image source: ANI News
Boris Shakhlin was another gymnastics great from the Soviet Union, amassing a total of 13 Olympic medals, including 7 golds, during his career. Competing from 1956 to 1964, Shakhlin’s strength and precision earned him victories across several apparatuses, contributing to the Soviet Union’s dominance in the sport.
Achievements
1956 Melbourne: 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
1960 Rome: 4 golds, 2 silvers
1964 Tokyo: 2 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze
8. Edoardo Mangiarotti (Italy, Fencing) – 6 Gold Medals
Image source: Britannica
Edoardo Mangiarotti is one of the most decorated fencers in Olympic history, with 13 medals to his name, including 6 golds. Competing from 1936 to 1960, Mangiarotti’s skill and tactical acumen in both the épée and foil disciplines helped establish Italy as a dominant force in the sport.
Achievements
1936 Berlin: 1 gold, 1 silver
1948 London: 2 golds, 1 silver
1952 Helsinki: 1 gold, 2 silvers, 1 bronze
1956 Melbourne: 2 golds, 1 silver
1960 Rome: 1 silver, 1 bronze
9. Ireen Wüst (Netherlands, Speed Skating) – 6 Gold Medals
Image source: Cui Nan/China News Service via Getty Images
Ireen Wüst is the most successful Dutch Olympian, with 11 medals, including 6 golds, in speed skating. Competing from 2006 to 2022, Wüst’s versatility and endurance in both middle and long-distance events have earned her a place among the greatest speed skaters of all time.
Achievements
2006 Turin: 1 gold, 1 bronze
2010 Vancouver: 1 gold, 1 silver
2014 Sochi: 2 golds, 3 silvers
2018 PyeongChang: 2 golds, 1 silver
2022 Beijing: 1 gold, 1 silver
10. Takashi Ono (Japan, Gymnastics) – 5 Gold Medals
Takashi Ono is a celebrated Japanese gymnast who earned a total of 13 Olympic medals, including 5 golds, between 1952 and 1964. His performances across multiple apparatuses and his ability to consistently perform at a high level contributed to Japan’s rise in the gymnastics world.
Achievements
1952 Helsinki: 1 bronze
1956 Melbourne: 2 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze
1960 Rome: 3 golds, 1 silver, 2 bronzes
1964 Tokyo: 2 silvers, 1 bronze
Conclusion
These athletes have not only demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication but have also made indelible marks on their respective sports. Their numerous gold medals are a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the ability to perform under the highest pressure. Their stories continue to inspire and set benchmarks for future generations of Olympians.