Top 10 Olympic medalists

Every four years, the eyes of the world turn to celebrate the greatest talents in sport, coming from all corners of the world. Today, we will meet the 10 greatest Olympic medalists who left their mark on the history of the Olympic Games.

In a world where football reigns as the sport with the most visibility, the Olympic Games are an opportunity to show that a sporting competition is good regardless of the category.

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1) Michael Phelps (USA, Swimming) — 28 medals

The American swimmer won twenty-three golds, three silvers and two bronzes throughout his career, thus becoming the greatest Olympic medalist in history. Phelps made his debut at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, at the age of 15, and did not win any medals in that edition.

His most incredible feat was in Beijing, 2008, when he won eight gold medals, breaking the record for the most gold medals in a single edition, which belonged to Mark Spitz.

2) Larissa Latynina (USSR, Gymnastics) — 18 medals

Larissa Latynina is the greatest gymnast in the history of the Olympics, with 18 medals, nine gold, five silver and four bronze. Representing the Soviet Union, Latynina competed in the Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964 editions, which makes her medal tally even more emblematic.

Latynina held the record for most Olympic medals for over 40 years, until she was surpassed by Michael Phelps.

3) Nikolai Andrianov (USSR, Gymnastics) — 15 medals

Nikolai Andrianov, another prominent name in Soviet gymnastics, won a total of 15 medals, being seven golds, five silvers and three bronzes.

The gymnast was also present in only three editions of the Olympic Games (Munich 1972, Montreal 1976 and Moscow 1980).

4) Boris Shakhlin (USSR, Gymnastics) — 13 medals

With 13 medals, being seven golds, four silvers and two bronzesBoris Shakhlin is yet another Soviet gymnast who left his mark on Olympic history.

The Ukrainian was known by the nickname Iron Mask and stood out among the others due to his height, always being the tallest in the competitions he participated in.

5) Edoardo Mangiarotti (Italy, Fencing) — 13 medals

The greatest fencer in Olympic history, Edoardo Mangiarotti won an incredible 13 medals, being six golds, five silvers and two bronzes.

Representing Italy in five editions of the Olympic Games, from Berlin 1936 to Rome 1960, Mangiarotti remains the greatest inspiration for the sport's new generation.

6) Takashi Ono (Japan, Gymnastics) — 12 medals

Takashi Ono, is one of the most decorated gymnasts in Japan, in addition to being one of the pioneers of gymnastics in the country, he has achieved impressive five golds, four silvers and four bronzes.

Competing at the Olympics in Helsinki 1952, Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964, Ono was one of the main people responsible for putting Japan on the world gymnastics map.

7) Paavo Nurmi (Finland, Athletics) — 12 medals

Paavo Nurmi, known as the “Ghost of Finland”, is one of the 10 greatest Olympic medalists, with nine golds and three silvers.

A specialist in long and middle distance running, Nurmi revolutionized running training with his scientific approach. The Finn always ran with a watch to monitor his stride rate, something that was very strange at the time.

8) Birgit Fischer (Germany, Canoeing) — 12 medals

Birgit Fischer, with 12 medals, being eight golds and four silversis the greatest canoeist in the history of the Olympic Games.

Competing for more than two decades, Fischer represented both East Germany and unified Germany at six Olympic Games, from Moscow 1980 to Athens 2004.

9) Sawao Kato (Japan, Gymnastics) — 12 medals

12 medals, being eight golds, three silvers and one bronzemarked Sawao Kato's career in three editions of the Olympic Games: Mexico 1968, Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976.

Kato was one of the gymnasts who was instrumental in the dominance of Japanese gymnastics during this period and in the growth of the sport's popularity in the country.

10) Jenny Thompson (USA, Swimming) — 12 medals

Jenny Thompson is the second swimmer to make the ranking, with eight golds, three silvers and one bronze.

Thompson shined particularly in the relay events, being a crucial part of the American team at several editions of the Games, from Barcelona 1992 to Athens 2004.

The greatest Brazilian Olympic medalist

Rebecca Andradewith six medals, two gold, three silver and one bronze, is Brazil's greatest success in the Olympics and in Bet.

The Brazilian Olympic top spot is occupied by a young black woman who has turned life's difficulties into a source of strength and inspiration for success, which makes her today the mirror of an entire generation of athletes. The gymnast has everything she needs to be part of the world rankings in the future.

The 10 greatest Olympic medalists are, like Rebeca, synonymous with dedication and passion for sport. They are symbols of great achievements and a source of great pride for their countries.

Featured photo: Olympic medalists (reproduction/disclosure)