Making History
The Olympics is seen as the most renowned sporting event in the world, bringing together all the nations to compete in this peaceful and united competition. And from these races emerge some gold stars, dominating their field and becoming the best of their kind. Here are five of the greatest Olympians to ever compete.
1. Michael Phelps
Redefining what it means to be an Olympic medalist, many see Michael Phelps as one of the greatest Olympians of all time. With 28 medals under his belt and a whopping 13 of those being gold, his incredible contributions to the swimming competition will forever be solidified in history.
JD Lasica from Pleasanton, CA, US on Wikimedia
2. Simone Biles
The Queen of Gymnastics, everyone always holds their breath when watching Simone Biles grace the stage. With her 11 Olympic medals, she's always able to break records and accomplish feats no one else can. Her graceful movements make the sport look easy!
Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil on Wikimedia
3. Usain Bolt
Being nicknamed "The Fastest Man Alive" is no small feat. And with 8 Olympic gold medals sitting at home, Usain Bolt definitely deserves it. Though he has retired, no one will ever forget the effortess nature in which he ran his races, easily speeding to the very front of the competition without (seemingly) breaking a sweat.
4. Katie Ledecky
As the most decorated female Olympic swimmer, it's impossible to leave Katie Ledecky off this list. Every time she competed, she dominated with such intensity that it was hard to look away. With a total of 14 medals, majority (9 of them!) being gold, her position as being one of the greatest in history is cemented.
Agência Brasil Fotografias on Wikimedia
5. Carl Lewis
Winning 9 Olympic gold medals is an amazing accomplishment, and Carl Lewis did it with style with track and field. This American athlete wasn't just talented in sprinting, but long jump too, making him one of the greatest in all history. He won four medals in 1984 alone!
