Ian Thorpe
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The Australian ‘Thorpedo’, Thorpe was a swimming sensation at the turn of the century. Playing the role of hometown hero at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Thorpe walked away with three gold medals — including the 400 m freestyle, and the 4×100 and 4×200 free relays. The conquering hero marched on to Athens in 2004, once again seizing the gold in the 400 free, as well as adding gold in the 200 m free.
Along the way, Thorpe started a charity called Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth — a fundraising organization for research into childhood illnesses. The former swimmer came out as gay in a 2014 televised interview and remained with his partner, Ryan Channing, until June 2019. Through his charitable works and swimming prowess, Thorpe advanced to Member of the Order of Australia in 2019.
Ryan Lochte
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One of the great swimmers of not only his time but of all-time, Lochte’s greatness in the water has at times been overshadowed by his actions outside the pool. A six-time gold medal winner and holder of three world records, Lochte failed to make the USA Team for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. However, the 39-year-old has stated that he is not ready to call it quits and will continue to compete in the pool. Also, in January 2019, Lochte competed on Celebrity Big Brother — he finished in 10th place.
Kurt Angle
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Before he became known as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all-time, Angle established himself as one of the best freestyle wrestlers to ever walk the Earth. Angle — after winning two NCAA Championships and a World Championship — entered the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta with a broken neck. Overcoming his serious injury, Angle won the gold medal in the heavyweight weight class. In the two-plus decades that have followed, Angle became known around the world due to his accomplishments within WWE. Angle retired from in-ring competition following WrestleMania 35 but remains a part of the company. Angle is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, as well as the International Sports Hall of Fame.
Mia Hamm
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Unquestionably the face of women’s soccer in America and arguably globally, Hamm has stayed busy since leaving the game. Hamm struck gold in Atlanta at the 1996 Olympics and won a second gold in Athens at the 2004 Olympic Games. Since retiring, Hamm has been inducted into the Alabama and Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the World Football Hall of Fame — becoming the first female inductee. Further, Hamm married former Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra in 2003. Currently, the American icon is a co-owner of the MLS club LAFC and Angel City FC of the NWSL.
Matt Biondi
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An eight-time gold medalist, Biondi was a tremendous swimmer throughout the 1980s and early ’90s. Biondi, who once held five world records, won his first gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. The butterfly and freestyle specialist added five golds at the 1988 Seoul Games and two more in Barcelona at the ’92 Games. Biondi sought to help the younger generation and spent time as the head coach of the Sierra Canyon Swim and Dive team. In 2021, the Olympian launched the International Swimmers’ Alliance — with the goal of modernizing the sport of swimming.
Usain Bolt
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The greatest sprinter of all-time, Usain is a lightning bolt in human form. Bolt is the world record holder in the 100 m (9.58), 200 m (19.19) and 4×100 meters relay. For three consecutive Summer Games, Bolt won gold in the 100 and 200 m, and added two golds in the 4×100 relay at the ’12 and ’16 Games. After competing in the ’17 World Athletics Championships, Bolt attempted to play professional soccer. Following a brief eight-week stint with the Central Coast Mariners of Australia’s A-League in late 2018, Bolt left the club and announced his athletic career was over. Bolt and his longtime girlfriend, Kasi Bennett, have three children together.
Apolo Ohno
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The American king of the Winter Olympics, Ohno is an eight-time medalist. Ohno burst onto the scene in 2002, capturing gold in the 1500 m short-track speed skate. Four years later, Ohno conquered the 500 m speed skate in Turin to capture his second gold. Since retiring from competition, Ohno has worked as a commentator for coverage of the 2014 and 2018 Winter Games. Ohno appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2007, winning the competition alongside his pro partner, Julianne Hough. Ohno returned for an All-Star edition of Dancing with the Stars, this time finishing in 5th place.
Mary Lou Retton
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Retton made Olympic history in the summer of 1984 when she became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics. Retton added two silver and two bronze medals to her tally at the Los Angeles Games but never captured another gold. The superstar was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997 and was a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in 2004.
Missy Franklin
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In 2012, at the age of 17, Missy Franklin became a worldwide phenom. Making her debut at the London Games, Franklin took home four gold medals — 100 and 200 m backstroke, 4×200 m freestyle, 4×100 m medley. After dominating the World Championships in ’13 and ’15, Franklin returned to the Olympics in ’16. Franklin claimed her fifth gold overall when her team won the 4×200 m freestyle. Sadly, Franklin retired from the sport of swimming in December ’18. Franklin and her husband, Hayes Johnson, had their first child together in 2021.
Caitlyn Jenner
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Following a gold medal victory in the men’s decathlon at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Bruce Jenner was deemed the world’s greatest athlete. Jenner’s athletic feat led to a life of fame and fortune. Famously, Jenner married Kris Jenner and welcomed two daughters into the world — Kendall and Kylie. Jenner remained in the public eye while appearing on Keeping Up with the Kardashians alongside his family. In April 2015, Jenner came out as a trans woman. A few months later, Jenner publicly announced her new name — Caitlyn Jenner. Jenner starred in her show, I Am Cait, for two years. Later, Jenner released a memoir — The Secrets of My Life — on April 25, 2017.
Bjørn Dæhlie
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Dæhlie has flourished in the aftermath of his skiing career. The Norwegian icon was a dominant force in cross-country skiing. Dæhlie won eight gold medals between 1992-1998. Unfortunately, Dæhlie was forced to retire shortly before the 2002 Olympics due to a devastating roller skiing accident. Still, Dæhlie has enjoyed a great life post-skiing. Dæhlie has found success in both real estate and fashion — particularly in real estate, where he has accrued an estimated fortune of over half a billion kroner.
Sawao Kato
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Members of the younger generation probably don’t remember Kato, but they should. Kato won a staggering 12 medals throughout his Olympic career. A member of the historic Japanese men’s gymnastics team of the late 1960s and early ’70s, Kato won back-to-back-to-back gold medals in the team competition (’68-’76), claimed all-around gold in ’68 and ’72, gold for his ’68 floor routine, and back-to-back gold medals in the parallel bar event (’72-’76). Kato is one of ten athletes to have won eight or more gold medals. His legendary accomplishments garnered a spot in the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2001.
Larisa Latynina
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The all-time leader in gymnastics with nine gold medals — for now (hey, Simone Biles) — Latynina is one of the greatest Olympians to ever compete. Her 14 individual medals were the most in Olympic history for an astonishing 52 years. After stepping away from competing herself, Latynina coached the Soviet women’s gymnastics team to gold in the 1968, ’72 and ’76 Olympic Games. The 89-year-old is a pioneer in the sport and will forever be credited with spearheading the Soviet Union’s gymnastic prominence. Latynina is living peacefully near the town of Semyonov in Russia.
McKayla Maroney
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Former gymnast McKayla Maroney became an overnight sensation at the 2012 London Olympics. Competing as part of the famed Fierce Five, Maroney became known for her “not impressed” expression upon receiving a silver medal. Though she came up short in the vault competition, Maroney won a team gold alongside the Fierce Five. After competing at a high level for another year, Maroney suffered a string of injuries that led to her retirement.
Maroney was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2018 ESPY Awards in lieu of her brave choice to fight against USA Gymnastics, the United States Olympic Committee, Michigan State University, and the despicable and disgraced former USA Gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar. Maroney has a passion for music and has released a few singles.
Dana Vollmer
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Yet another monster in the pool, Vollmer was absolutely sensational as an Olympic swimmer. The New York native debuted at the 2004 Games in Athens. There, Vollmer and her team struck gold in the 4×200 m freestyle relay — setting a world record in the process. After missing out on the 2008 Olympics, Vollmer returned in 2012 and was better than ever.
Not only did she win another gold in the 4×200 freestyle relay, Vollmer also earned a gold in the 4×100 m medley and 100 m butterfly — setting another WR. Vollmer won one last gold (4×100) at Rio 2016. Vollmer announced her retirement in 2019, and will now focus on her family and her work as an ambassador for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” program.
Nadia Comaneci
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Arguably the first name to come up in discussion when the word gymnastics is said aloud is Comaneci. The insanely popular Romanian solidified herself as an all-time legend at the 1976 Games in Montreal. Comaneci became the first gymnast to receive a perfect 10.0 at the Olympics — en route to seven total perfect 10.0’s and three gold medals. Four years later, in Moscow, Comaneci won two more gold medals. Comaneci defected from Romania in 1989 and became an American citizen. The gym icon married Bart Conner, an American Olympic gold medal gymnast. Comaneci works with numerous charities and is heavily involved with the Special Olympics.
Amanda Beard
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Beard, a Newport Beach native, has enjoyed a tremendous career both in sports and modeling. Beard made her Olympic debut at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta — at the staggering age of 14. There, Beard won a gold medal in the 4×100 medley (as well as two silver medals). The Californian didn’t claim another gold until 2004. In Athens, Beard won the gold medal in the 200 m breaststroke — an event which she had previously set the world record. Outside of swimming, Beard has appeared in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and Playboy. Beard’s autobiography — In the Water They Can’t See You Cry: A Memoir — was released in 2012. Currently, Beard is married with two children and works as a motivational speaker.
Aly Raisman
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Olympian, captain and role model are just a few words to describe Raisman. A three-time gold medalist (2012 team and floor, 2016 team), Raisman’s impact goes far beyond the gym mat. In the aftermath of the Larry Nassar scandal, Raisman has become an inspiration to millions of people around the world. Raisman was one of 141 victims of Nassar’s abuse to receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2018 ESPY Awards. Raisman has been a leading voice in the fight against both Nassar and USA Gymnastics. The ‘Fierce Five’ and ‘Final Five’ member also has found tremendous success modeling, having appeared in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue multiple times.
Carl Lewis
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Lewis is one of the greatest athletes of all-time. Perhaps only topped in the sprinting world by Usain Bolt, Lewis was once the undisputed king in the 100 m, 200 m, and long jump. Lewis held world records in the 100 m, 4×100 m and 4×200 m relays. He has held the world record in the indoor long jump since 1984. Of his nine gold medals, four came in the long jump — in four straight Games. In addition to owning a marketing company named C.L.E.G., Lewis has appeared in multiple television shows and films. Currently, the former ‘world’s fastest man’ is an assistant track coach at the University of Houston — Lewis’ alma mater.
Mark Spitz
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Before Michael Phelps, there was Mark Spitz. Spitz, a nine-time gold medalist, is the second-greatest swimmer to ever grace an Olympic pool. After starting his Olympic career with two golds at the 1968 Games, Spitz dominated the 1972 Olympics in Munich. ‘Mark the Shark’ won seven gold medals — setting a world record in each event. Spitz retired at the age of 22 and immediately found himself on television. After spending a few years appearing on shows, Spitz began working for ABC Sports in 1976. Currently, Spitz is an entrepreneur and delivers lectures around the world.
Michael Jordan
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A two-time gold medalist and member of the ‘Dream Team’, there is not much that needs to be said about Jordan. After claiming his second gold at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Jordan would go on to win another four NBA Titles. Following his retirement, Jordan bought a minority stake in the then-Charlotte Bobcats — now known as the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan became the majority owner of the team in 2014 and sold his stake in 2023. Buoyed by his iconic Jordan Brand, MJ became a billionaire in 2014.
Greg Louganis
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Louganis is another example of an athlete who has had a greater impact outside of sports. The greatest diver in history, Louganis is the second diver — and only male — in Olympic history to sweep both diving events in back-to-back Olympics (’84, ’88). In 1995, Louganis revealed that he was HIV-positive. To this day, the famed diver is a gay rights activist and an HIV awareness activist. In recent years, Louganis has been inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame, and the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame, and was a torch bearer during the 2015 World Games Special Olympics.
Birgit Fischer
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It is fair to consider Birgit Fischer the Brett Favre of the Olympics. The German kayaker made her Olympic debut in 1980, claiming a gold while representing East Germany. After winning two more gold medals for East Germany in 1988, Fischer announced her retirement. It didn’t last long, as Fischer was back for the 1992 Games — where she won a fourth gold for a unified Germany. A fifth gold was won in 1996, and two more followed in 2000 before the kayaker announced her retirement — again. And again, it didn’t last. Fischer finally called it quits after winning her eighth gold medal in 2004. Fischer now makes a living as a photographer, with some of her work finding a home with the Art of the Olympians.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
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Arguably the greatest female athlete of all-time, Joyner-Kersee overcame severe asthma to excel in track and field. Joyner-Kersee won back-to-back gold medals in the heptathlon (’88, ’92) and claimed the long jump gold in ’88, as well. While training for the ’84 Games, the talented athlete was simultaneously playing basketball at UCLA.
To this day, Joyner-Kersee holds the world record in the heptathlon. In addition to being on the Board of Directors for USA Track & Field, Joyner-Kersee spends her time promoting children’s education, women’s rights and racial equality. Specifically, her foundation — Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation — focuses on helping children in East St. Louis with schooling and athletics.
Muhammad Ali
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The greatest heavyweight boxer of all-time and one of the most important figures of the 20th century, Ali struck gold as an 18-year-old at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. Following his Olympic victory, Ali would become a worldwide sensation. Once his prolific boxing career came to an end, Ali acted, wrote, became a Grammy-nominated musician and dedicated his time to charity and faith. Unfortunately, Ali suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for the last 30 years of his life. ‘The Greatest’ sadly passed in 2016, but he will long be remembered for his incredible career as not only a boxer but also a humanitarian and philanthropist.
Summer Sanders
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Yes, this is the same Summer Sanders that you once watched on Nickelodeon. Once upon a time, Sanders was a prodigy in the water. After winning eight NCAA National Championships and back-to-back Swimmer of the Year titles at Stanford, Sanders made her Olympic debut at the 1992 Barcelona Games. There, she set an Olympic record in the 200 m butterfly to take home gold and won her second gold as a part of the 4×100 medley team. The star went on to work for CBS Sports, NBC, the WNBA and Nickelodeon — to name a few. Today, Sanders works for HLN.
Nastia Liukin
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Despite being born in Russia, Liukin became a household name while competing for the United States at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The daughter of two former Soviet champion gymnasts, Liukin and her family immigrated to the United States when she was two years old. Liukin won one gold medal (five total) in Beijing, besting her competitors in the all-around competition. Liukin graduated from New York University in 2016. Since 2010, the gymnast has hosted an annual gymnastics competition called the Nastia Liukin Cup.
Michael Phelps
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You have to be pretty good to be considered history’s greatest Olympian. Phelps has 23 gold medals, 28 total medals, 13 individual golds and 16 medals in individual events — all Olympic records. He surpassed Spitz’s seven gold medals when he claimed eight at the 2008 Beijing Games. Outside of swimming, Phelps started the Michael Phelps Foundation — an organization that has since developed multiple programs to help kids. Phelps and his wife, Nicole, have four children together.
Dominique Dawes
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Who doesn’t love the nickname ‘Awesome Dawesome’? Dawes, aka Flying Squirrel, first appeared at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. After settling for a team bronze, Dawes returned in 1996 and helped the United States women win the team gold medal. As the first African-American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in gymnastics, Dawes helped open the door for stars such as Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles. From 2004-06, Dawes was the President of the Women’s Sports Federation. Later, in 2010, President Obama appointed the gymnast to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
Shawn Johnson
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Starring at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Johnson’s bubbly personality and supreme talent turned her into a household name. Johnson won the gold medal for her beautiful display on the balance beam and added three silver medals to her collection as well. The following summer, America’s Sweetheart won the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars. More than three years later, Johnson returned for the All-Star edition of Dancing with the Stars and finished as the runner-up. Since leaving gymnastics, Johnson has published three books and is currently running a highly successful YouTube channel with her husband, Andrew East.
Clara Hughes
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Not many people are blessed with enough talent to participate in the Olympics, let alone win. Hughes, on the other hand, is so talented that she finished her athletic career with Olympic medals in two different sports. Hughes won two bronze medals at the 1996 Olympics while participating in road cycling. Fast-forward to 2006, Hughes was busy claiming a gold in speed skating. In total, the talented Canadian won two road cycling medals and four medals in speed skating. Hughes has received multiple Honorary Doctorates of Law (University of Manitoba, U of Victoria), and is also a member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Allyson Felix
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Felix, who turns 36 in November, is still a competitive sprinter. The Los Angeles product won her first gold medal in the 4×400 m relay at the 2008 Olympics. In 2012, in addition to Felix and her teammates defending their 4×400 crown, Felix claimed the gold in the 200 m and the 4×100 m relay. At Rio 2016, Felix won two more gold medals in the relay races. Felix gave birth to her first child in November 2018, and a mere eight months later was back to competitive racing. At the same time, Felix became Athleta’s first sponsored athlete — leaving Nike behind. Felix won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Recently, Felix announced she plans to retire before the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Simone Biles
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Simone Biles is the greatest gymnast of all-time, period. Biles’ list of accomplishments is unmatched. Before making her Olympic debut in 2016, Biles had won an impressive 10 gold medals at the World Championships. At the ’16 Games, Biles won gold in the team event, as well as in the all-around, vault and floor exercise — which are all individual events. After a year-long hiatus, Biles returned for the 2018 World Championships and promptly claimed victory in every category. At the 2019 U.S. National Gymnastics Championships, the superstar won the all-around, vault, balance beam and floor exercise. Biles will look to further cement her status as the G.O.A.T in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Kristi Yamaguchi
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When you think about the Winter Olympics, figure skating is likely the first event that comes to mind. At the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, it was Yamaguchi’s time to take center stage. Fresh off victories at the 1991 and ’92 World Championships, Yamaguchi won the ladies’ singles gold medal over Midori Ito and fellow American, Nancy Kerrigan. In 1996, Yamaguchi created the Always Dream Foundation — which focuses on early childhood literacy and education. Yamaguchi has also published an award-winning children’s book and was the champion of the sixth season of Dancing with the Stars.
Serena Williams
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Let’s look at Serena’s Olympic achievements, shall we? 2000 Sydney — doubles gold. 2008 Beijing — doubles gold. 2012 London — singles and doubles gold. All Serena has done since her last Olympic triumph is win 10 Grand Slam titles, marry Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, given birth to two daughters, and remain one of the best female tennis players in the world into her 30s. Serena currently sits one Grand Slam title behind Margaret Court for the most all-time. She has not played since 2022.
Natalie Coughlin
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Coughlin may not be the best female swimmer of all-time, but she would definitely have a good argument. At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Coughlin claimed gold in the 100 m backstroke and a silver in the 4×100 freestyle relay. Four years later, ‘Nat’ became the first U.S. female in modern history to win six medals at one Olympic event. By defending her gold in the 100 backstroke, Coughlin distinguished herself as the first woman to ever accomplish the feat.
By winning a bronze in 2012, Coughlin tied Dara Torres and Jenny Thompson for the most all-time medals by a female swimmer with 12. Since leaving the sport, Nat has graced the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, cooked on the hit show Chopped, and was selected for the cover of the 2015 ESPN The Magazine: The Body Issue.
Marit Bjørgen
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Cross-country skiing may not get much attention during the Olympics, but that doesn’t mean what Bjørgen accomplished isn’t incredibly impressive. Bjørgen, now retired, is the winningest cross-country skier of all-time. Her 114 individual victories stand alone, as do her 15 Olympic medals — the most by any athlete in Winter Olympics history. Bjørgen won three gold in 2010 (Vancouver), three in ’14 (Sochi) and two in ’18 (Pyeongchang). Two months after the ’18 Olympics, Bjørgen announced her retirement following the conclusion of the ’18 cross-country skiing season. She briefly returned in 2021, but once again retired in 2022.
Katie Ledecky
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Ledecky, 26 years old, is on track to become the greatest female swimmer of all-time. As a 15-year-old at the 2012 Olympics in London, Ledecky shocked the world by winning the gold medal in the 800 m freestyle. Over the next four years leading up to the 2016 Games, Ledecky captured nine gold medals at the World Championships and another five at the Pan Pacific Championships.
In Rio at the ’16 Olympics, Ledecky won four golds — 200, 400 and 800 freestyle, 4×200 free — and a silver. At the 2017 World Championships? Five more golds. At Stanford University, the legend set 14 NCAA records and 11 American records. Ledecky is currently preparing to steal the spotlight at Paris 2024.
Lindsey Vonn
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Rounding out the list is Lindsey Vonn. Vonn, a four-time World Cup champion, tasted Olympic gold just once — winning downhill at Vancouver 2010. Vonn’s 82 World Cup race victories are the most all-time by a woman, and second only to Ingemar Stenmark’s 86. After battling injuries for many years, Vonn announced her retirement in 2019. Off the slopes, Vonn famously dated Tiger Woods for two years. In 2019, Vonn also posed in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition for the third time. In January 2023, Vonn became the first woman to ski the Streif — a downhill ski course in Austria.
