AREQUIPA, Peru – For all athletes, winning a competition is the result of years of effort and constant training. Standing on the podium is triumph, reward and glory. In the history of the Olympic Games, the sporting event most famous in the world, there are several men and women who have tasted victory more often than most.
1. Michael Phelps (United States)
- Sport: Swimming
- Medals: 28 (23 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze)
Born June 30, 1985 in Baltimore, Maryland, Michael Phelps He is the most decorated Olympian of all time. He began his Olympic career at Sydney 2000 at the age of 15.
His dominance in swimming was evident at the Olympic Games in Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, where he broke numerous world and Olympic records. Phelps retired after the Rio Games, leaving an indelible legacy in his discipline and sport in general.
2. Larisa Latynina (Ukraine)
- Sport: Gymnastics
- Medals: 18 (9 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze)
Born on December 27, 1934 in Ukraine, Larisa Latynina was the first big star of artistic gymnastics and remains the female athlete with the most Olympic medals in history.
She competed at Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964, contributing significantly to Soviet dominance in gymnastics during that era. After retiring, Latynina continued to influence the sport as a coach and organizer.
3. Nikolai Andrianov (Russia)
- Sport: Gymnastics
- Medals: 15 (7 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze)
Born on October 14, 1952 in Vladimir, Russia, Nikolai Andrianov was one of the most prominent gymnasts of the 1970s.
Due to his creativity and his sense of spectaclewas known as the “Nureyev of gymnastics,” named after the famous dancer.
He participated in the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976 and Moscow in 1980. His versatility and skill allowed him to win medals in almost all apparatus, consolidating his place in Olympic history.
4. Boris Shakhlin (Russia)
- Sport: Gymnastics
- Medals: 13 (7 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze)
Born on January 27, 1932 in Ishim, Russia, Boris Shakhlin was a prominent figure in world gymnastics during the 1950s and 1960s.
He was known as “The Iron Mask” for his unexpressive face and imposing figure.
He competed at the 1956 Melbourne, 1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Shakhlin was known for his strength and grace in the sport, and after his retirement he contributed to the development of gymnastics as a judge and administrator.
5. Takashi Ono (Japan)
- Sport: Gymnastics
- Medals: 13 (5 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze)
Born on July 26, 1931 in Noshiro, JapanTakashi Ono is one of the most decorated gymnasts in Olympic history. He competed in four consecutive Olympic Games: Helsinki 1952, Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964.
Ono was a pioneer in the Japanese gymnasticshelping to establish Japan as a powerhouse in the sport.
