Who is the greatest Olympic athlete?

Dive into a thrilling showdown of athletic greatness, where legends of the past clash with contemporary icons, and you can weigh in on the most celebrated vs. the underappreciated. Who stands out among the vast array of unforgettable achievements and inspiring stories? Cast your vote!

1

Michael Phelps

Most decorated Olympian with 28 medals, including 23 golds

2

Usain Bolt

World record holder in 100m and 200m sprints, 8 Olympic golds

3

Simone Biles

Four-time Olympic gold medalist, known for her exceptional gymnastics skills

4

Carl Lewis

Nine-time Olympic gold medalist, dominant in sprints and long jump

5

Jesse Owens

Four gold medals in 1936 Berlin Olympics, symbol of racial equality

6

Larisa Latynina

Nine Olympic golds in gymnastics, held record for most medals for decades

7

Paavo Nurmi

Finnish long-distance runner, won 9 Olympic golds in the 1920s

8

Mark Spitz

Seven gold medals in 1972 Olympics, set multiple swimming records

9

Nadia Comăneci

First gymnast to score a perfect 10, won 3 golds in 1976

10

Olga Korbut

Revolutionized gymnastics with her daring routines, 4 Olympic golds

11

Emil Zátopek

Legendary long-distance runner, won 3 golds in 1952 Olympics

12

Fanny Blankers-Koen

Four gold medals in 1948, known as the 'Flying Housewife'

13

Al Oerter

Four-time Olympic discus champion, known for his athletic longevity

14

Daley Thompson

Two-time Olympic decathlon champion, known for his versatility

15

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Ranked among the greatest female athletes, 3 golds in heptathlon

16

Florence Griffith-Joyner

Fastest woman ever, won 3 golds in 1988 with record times

17

Katie Ledecky

Multiple Olympic gold medalist in swimming, known for distance events

18

Allyson Felix

Most decorated female track athlete, 7 Olympic golds in sprints

19

Birgit Fischer

Dominant in canoeing, won 8 Olympic golds across 6 Games

20

Isabell Werth

Most successful dressage rider, multiple Olympic golds in equestrian

21

Ole Einar Bjørndalen

Biathlon legend, won 8 Olympic golds, known for his endurance

22

Marit Bjørgen

Most decorated female Winter Olympian, 8 golds in cross-country skiing

23

Bjørn Dæhlie

Dominant cross-country skier, won 8 Olympic golds in the 1990s

24

Ingemar Stenmark

Legendary alpine skier, won 2 golds in 1980, known for slalom

25

Lindsey Vonn

One of the greatest female alpine skiers, 3 Olympic medals

26

Ryan Lochte

12 Olympic medals in swimming, known for his versatility in strokes

27

Ian Thorpe

Five-time Olympic gold medalist, known for his freestyle swimming

28

Jenny Thompson

Most decorated female swimmer, won 12 Olympic medals

29

Dara Torres

Five-time Olympic swimmer, known for competing at age 41

30

Natalie Coughlin

12 Olympic medals in swimming, known for her sprint freestyle

31

Vitaly Scherbo

Gymnast with 6 Olympic golds, known for his powerful routines

32

Sawao Kato

Japanese gymnast, won 8 Olympic golds, known for his versatility