The primary aim of most Olympic Games athletes is to win a gold medal, though winning any medal is a great achievement for most of them. Here are two lists, ranking athletes by the most number of medals, and also by gold medals won (including 2016 results). read more
More medals are available in some events than others, and the number of events in which medals are available overall has changed over time. Names in Bold denote people that have competed in the most recent Olympics, namely 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. read more
The winner is awarded the gold medal, the runner-up the silver medal, and the third place competitor is awarded the bronze medal. Some countries, as well as supporting all their Olympic athletes, provide sums of money and gifts to medal winners depending on the classes and number of medals won. read more
Phelps has the Most Total Medals. Here is the list of the top 10 athletes (males and females) with the most medals in total (includes all gold, silver and bronze medals won), from all summer Olympic Games (including 2016). American swimmer Michael Phelps is the clear winner, with the highest ranked female being gymnast Larisa Latynina. read more