One of the greatest sporting events in human history is the Olympics. With the best athletes going head-to-head worldwide, it is the ultimate test of human endurance and ability. Throughout the years, there have been some fantastic records which have stood the test of time, and some which have been broken.
With regards to the greatest Olympic stats, Michael Phelps holds not one, but 23 gold medals – making him the most decorated Olympian of all time.
Here’s how he did it:
- Sydney 2000 – Phelps began his journey at the age of 15, and finished 5th in the 200m butterfly. It set the tone for the greatest swimmer of all time to follow in the years forward.
- Athens 2004 – At Athens, Phelps began winning big. He competed in eight events and won gold in four – the 100m and 200m butterfly, and the 200m and 400m individual medleys. He also won gold at the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays, taking his record to 6.
- Beijing 2008 – It was at Beijing that Phelps made history – winning every single event, making it an unprecedented feat. He even broke seven world records in his blitz, and in the process became the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 14 in total.
- London 2012 – Phelps won the 100m and 200m butterfly, along with the 4x200m relay title and the 4x100m relay, taking his incredible tally to 18 in total.
- Rio 2016 – One last time at the Olympics, Phelps cemented his legacy by winning 5 more golds, taking his overall record to 23 gold, before announcing his retirement at the age of 31.
What an absolute legend!