The United States has long been a dominant force in the Olympic Games, producing some of the most successful athletes in history. Here, we highlight the top seven Olympians from the USA, showcasing their incredible achievements and contributions to Olympic history.
7. Matt Biondi
Matt Biondi, a legendary swimmer, made his mark in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He won a total of 11 medals, including 8 golds, making him one of the top Olympians of his era. Biondi’s standout performance came in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, and all three medley relays. His tall frame and powerful stroke propelled him to victory, and his success helped solidify his place in Olympic history.
6. Jenny Thompson
Jenny Thompson was a dominant figure in swimming, particularly in relay events, where all of her 8 gold medals were earned. Over her career, she accumulated 12 medals in total, including individual silver and bronze in the 100-meter freestyle. Thompson’s relay golds, however, were what defined her career, as she contributed to Team USA’s success in multiple Olympic Games.
5. Caeleb Dressel
Caeleb Dressel emerged as a swimming powerhouse, earning 9 gold medals out of 10 total Olympic medals. His incredible performance in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he won five golds, cemented his status as one of the best swimmers in the world. Dressel continued his success in the 2024 Olympics, adding two more golds and a silver to his medal count, which included wins in the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly.
4. Carl Lewis
Carl Lewis was a track and field icon, known for his explosive speed and jumping ability. He earned 9 gold medals over the course of his Olympic career, including four golds at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Lewis’s victories in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4×100-meter relay marked him as one of the most dominant athletes in Olympic history. His performances at the 1984 Games set new benchmarks for future generations of sprinters and jumpers.
3. Mark Spitz
Mark Spitz, a swimming legend, set the standard for Olympic success during the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. At the 1972 Munich Games, he set a record by winning 7 gold medals, each accompanied by a world record. Spitz’s triumphs in events like the 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, and multiple relays made him one of the most successful swimmers of his time. His record remained unbroken until Michael Phelps surpassed it in 2008.
2. Katie Ledecky
Katie Ledecky is considered one of the greatest female swimmers in Olympic history. With 9 gold medals and a total of 14 Olympic medals, Ledecky has redefined dominance in the pool. Her victory in the 800-meter freestyle at the 2024 Olympics brought her ninth gold, making her the most decorated female Olympian from the United States. Ledecky first made her mark in 2012 at just 15 years old, and her dominance in long-distance swimming has remained unmatched through successive Olympic Games.
1. Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is widely regarded as the greatest Olympian of all time. With 23 gold medals and a total of 28 Olympic medals, Phelps holds the record for the most gold medals and total medals in Olympic history. His remarkable success spanned five Olympic Games from 2000 to 2016, with his 8 golds at the 2008 Beijing Olympics standing as the most won by any athlete at a single Games. Phelps’s versatility in various swimming disciplines, including butterfly, freestyle, and medley events, solidified his place at the top of Olympic greatness.
These seven athletes have left an indelible mark on Olympic history. Their dedication, skill, and determination have made them household names and have set standards that future generations of athletes will aspire to. The USA’s legacy in the Olympic Games is one of unparalleled success, and these Olympians are at the heart of that legacy.
