List of Multiple Olympic Gold Medal Winners
Overview
The Olympic Games are a major international multi-sport event held every four years. Athletes from around the world compete in various sports, aiming to win medals and achieve the highest honor in their respective disciplines. This article provides a comprehensive list of multiple Olympic gold medal winners, athletes who have won more than one gold medal in the history of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
Multiple Gold Medal Winners in Summer Olympics
The Summer Olympics have been held every four years since 1896, with the exception of 1916, 1940, and 1944 due to World Wars. The following athletes have won multiple gold medals in the Summer Olympics.
Athletics
In Athletics, the most decorated athlete is Usain Bolt of Jamaica, who has won 8 gold medals in sprinting events. Other notable multiple gold medal winners include Carl Lewis of the United States, who won 9 gold medals in various track and field events, and Paavo Nurmi of Finland, who won 9 gold medals in middle-distance and long-distance running.
Swimming
In Swimming, the most decorated athlete is Michael Phelps of the United States, who has won an unprecedented 23 gold medals. Other notable multiple gold medal winners include Mark Spitz of the United States, who won 9 gold medals, and Kristin Otto of East Germany, who won 6 gold medals.
Gymnastics
In Gymnastics, the most decorated athlete is Larisa Latynina of the Soviet Union, who won 9 gold medals. Other notable multiple gold medal winners include Vera Caslavska of Czechoslovakia, who won 7 gold medals, and Nadia Comaneci of Romania, who won 5 gold medals.
Multiple Gold Medal Winners in Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics have been held every four years since 1924. The following athletes have won multiple gold medals in the Winter Olympics.
Skiing
In Skiing, the most decorated athlete is Bjorn Daehlie of Norway, who won 8 gold medals in cross-country skiing. Other notable multiple gold medal winners include Kjetil Andre Aamodt of Norway, who won 4 gold medals in alpine skiing, and Thomas Wassberg of Sweden, who won 4 gold medals in cross-country skiing.
Speed Skating
In Speed Skating, the most decorated athlete is Eric Heiden of the United States, who won 5 gold medals. Other notable multiple gold medal winners include Claudia Pechstein of Germany, who won 5 gold medals, and Ireen Wust of the Netherlands, who won 5 gold medals.
Ice Hockey
In Ice Hockey, the most decorated team is the Canadian men's team, who have won 9 gold medals. Other notable multiple gold medal winners include the Soviet Union men's team, who won 7 gold medals, and the United States men's team, who won 2 gold medals.