Since the inaugural season of the modern Olympic Games in Athens, Greece in 1896, the history of the Olympic Games has witnessed numerous legendary Olympians who have fought against the odds and have established themselves as the ultimate flag bearers for their respective countries on the world’s biggest athletic stage. Over the years, numerous legendary and path-breaking athletes, including Michael Phelps, Larisa Latynina, Paavo Nurmi and many others, have etched their names in the glorious history of the Olympic Games after capturing the highest number of gold medals.
In this article we will take a look at the top four most prominent Olympians who have captured the highest number of gold medals.
Top 4 Most Successful Olympians Of All-Time
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Michael Phelps, Swimming – U.S.A.
Often hailed as the most successful and decorated athlete in the history of the Olympic Games, American former competitive swimmer Michael Phelps is at the first spot in our list of the top four most successful Olympians with the highest gold medals. Michael Phelps is a former long course world record holder in the 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley, and 400-meter individual medley.
The American swimming sensation, Michael Phelps, successfully captured a total of 23 gold medals at the Olympic Games. The 2008 Beijing Olympics proved to be one of the most successful editions for Michael Phelps, who established an all-time record of clinching a total of eight gold medals in a single edition. The legendary American swimmer, Michael Phelps, announced his second retirement on August 12, 2016.
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Larisa Latynina, Gymnastics – Soviet Union
At the second spot in our list of the top four most successful Olympians who have captured the highest number of gold medals, we have the Russian former artistic gymnast, Larisa Latynina, with a total of nine gold medals at the Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960, and Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games.
Additionally, apart from her nine gold medals, Larisa Latynina clinched a total of five silver and four medals in her glorious Olympic career that spanned over three consecutive editions. Larisa Latynina undoubtedly proved to be one of the most dominant gymnastics athletes in the world in her era and played a major role in establishing the Soviet Union as a dominant force in gymnastics.
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Paavo Nurmi, Athletics – Finland
Often popularly referred to as the “flying finn”, the Finnish middle-distance and long-distance runner Paavo Johannes Nurmi is at the third spot on our list of the top four most prominent and successful Olympians in the history of the Olympic Games. Nurmi was undefeated for 121 races at distances from 800 m upwards. Additionally, Nurmi, popularly referred to as the “flying finn”, remained unbeaten in cross-country events and the 10,000 metres.
Paavo Nurmi represented Finland at the three editions of the Olympic Games, including 1920 (Antwerp), 1924 (Paris) and 1928 (Amsterdam). Often hailed as one of the most dominant athletes of the early 20tg century, Paavo Nurmi left his mark on the track, particularly in middle- and long-distance events ranging from the 1,500 meters to the 10,000 meters.
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Mark Spitz, Swimming – U.S.A.
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four most successful Olympians with the highest number of gold medals, we have the American former competitive professional swimmer, Mark Andrew Spitz, popularly referred to as “Mark Spitz”. Throughout his glorious swimming career that spanned over 36 long years, Mark Spitz captured a total of 9 gold medals, eight out of which he clinched at the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich. Owing to his dominant performances over the years, Mark Spitz was honoured as the World Swimmer of the Year twice, in 1969 and 1971 by the Swimming World Magazine.
