Olympic Champions
Winning a medal at the Olympics is every athlete's dream, but for these five Olympians, it's not a question of when but how many. These mindblowing competitors have seen the podium more than just a couple of times, redefining what it means to truly be at the top of your game. Here are the five most decorated Olympic athletes in history.
JD Lasica from Pleasanton, CA, US on Wikimedia
1. Michael Phelps
Everyone in America remembers when Michael Phelps was the most dominant Olympic athlete at the games. Winning almost every tournament he competed in, he was able to amass a shocking 28 Olympic medals during his career. Of these 28, 23 are gold, 3 are silver, and 2 are bronze. It's safe to say no one is beating his record anytime soon.
JD Lasica from Pleasanton, CA, US on Wikimedia
2. Larisa Latynina
Gymnastics is a very competitive and challenging sport at the Olympics, which makes Larisa Latynina's 18 podium finishes, all the more impressive. 9 of these medals are gold, 5 of them silver, and 4 of them bronze, which truly showcases her expertise and mastery in this sport. She'll remain at the top for a very long time!
Unknown (Asahi Shinbun) on Wikimedia
3. Marit Bjørgen
When it comes to the Winter Olympics, it's difficult to find a more talented and consistent athlete than Marit Bjørgen. She's won a total of 15 Olympic medals for Norway in cross-country skiing, with 8 being gold, 4 being silver, and 3 being bronze.
Frankie Fouganthin on Wikimedia
4. Nikolai Andrianov
While Larisa Latynina dominated women's gymnastics, Nikolai Andrianov was making waves in men's gymnastics. With a total of 15 Olympic medals to his name, 7 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze, no one is close to even beating his record.
Unknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia
5. Ole Einar Bjørndalen
Ole Einar Bjørndalen is an amazing biathlon and cross-country athlete that has managed to claim 13 Olympic medals all to himself. And of these 13, 8 of them are gold, 4 are silver, and 1 is bronze. Competing in six different Olympics during his career, it began in 1994 and ended in 2014.
