An Olympic medal holds a lot of significance as it helps the country in getting recognition on the world stage. In addition, it also allows the nation to showcase its culture on the biggest stage. A total of 1563 medals have been awarded till 2018 as far as the Olympic games are concerned. Having said that the tradition of giving medals in the Summer Olympics which were started in 1896 in Athens wasn’t a part of the competition during its initial years. In this article, we will look at the countries with the most medals in the Summer Olympics.
United States of America
The United States of America leads the list of countries with the most number of Olympic medals registered to its name with 2636 medals in the Summer Olympics which includes 1061 gold medals, 836 silver medals 739 bronze making the country a superpower in a global sporting event as well. As far as the USA’s most successful sport is concerned then the country has excelled in the sport of swimming, Basketball, and in track and field events on the global stage. The nation has won 244 medals in swimming and 324 medals in track and field events.
Soviet Union*
The Soviet Union is second on the list of countries to have won the most medals in the Summer Olympics with 1122 medals registered to its name which includes 440 gold medals 357 silver medals and 325 bronze medals. Having participated in 10 games till 1992 USSR leads the list for the most medals won by countries in each edition of the Summer Olympic Games. The group of nations tasted success in Ice hockey as it was able to win numerous medals in the Olympics and various international championships.
* Includes the results of the USSR and the 1992 Unified Team (excluding Russia)
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Germany#
Germany takes the third spot in the list of nations with the most number of Olympic medals having won 974 medals in 25 Olympic appearances that the country has made. Germany’s medal telly includes 285 gold 326 silver and 363 brone madel.
# The above-mentioned summer Olympic medal telly of Germany includes the result of Germany.
West Germany and United team of Germany but excludes East Germany
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Great Britain
Great Britain has won 916 medals in the Summer Olympic Games so far. The group of European countries has managed to win a total of 285 gold 316 silver and 315 bronze medals so far. Rowing has been one of Great Britain’s most successful Olympic sports having won 65 medals in the particular discipline since the 1900 Olympic games Sir Steve Redgrave, who won five gold medals between 1984 and 2000, and Dame Katherine Grainger have been two of Britain’s most successful rowers.
France
The delegate representing France has won a total of 764 medals in 29 appearances in the Summer Olympic games which includes 226 gold 258 silver and 280 bronze medals respectively. If we talk about the country’s most successful Olympic sport then cycling and fencing have been a vital part of France’s success at the world event. The French Olympic Committee which was formed and recognized in 1794 has been an integral part of the country’s success.
