All-Time Olympic Medal Leaders: Nations and Athletes Who Define the Record
The piece traces the all-time medal leaders, noting the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage counts 3,103 total medals for the U.S.—the most overall—followed by the Soviet Union (1,204) and Germany (1,091). In the Winter Games, Norway leads with 404 medals, followed by the U.S. (330) and Germany (286). The U.S. also has the most golds overall (1,220), while the Winter gold leaders include Norway (148) with the U.S. (114) and Germany (113). Among athletes, Michael Phelps holds the most medals and golds (23 golds, 28 total). Latynina remains the most decorated female Olympian with 18 medals. In winter, Marit Bjørgen and Ole Einar Bjørndalen tie for eight golds (with Bjørn Dæhlie also at eight), and Apolo Ohno is the most decorated U.S. winter Olympian with eight medals.
