Athletes with the most track gold medals in the history of Olympics
Here are the athletes with the most gold medals at the Olympic athletic games
The track and field events continue to capture the imagination of sports fans around the world, at the Olympics in Paris.
While the current athletes compete for glory, it's worth reflecting on the legends who have set the bar exceptionally high in Olympic athletics.
Here’s a look at the athletes with the most gold medals in Olympic track and field history, showcasing their unparalleled achievements and enduring legacies.
1. Paavo Nurmi (Finland)- 9 Gold medals
Paavo Nurmi, known as "The Phantom Finn," is celebrated for his extraordinary achievements in middle and long-distance running during the 1920s.
Competing in the 1920, 1924, and 1928 Olympics, Nurmi amassed an impressive 12 Olympic medals, including a record nine golds. His incredible versatility was highlighted by his ability to dominate distances ranging from the 1500m to the 20km.
At the 1924 Paris Olympics, Nurmi won a record five gold medals, a feat that remains unmatched to this day.
His career is also marked by his remarkable achievement of setting 22 official world records across various distances.
2. Carl Lewis (U
SA)- 9 Gold medals
American sprinter Carl Lewis is another iconic figure in Olympic athletics, renowned for his dominance in both sprint events and the long jump.
Lewis’s Olympic career spanned from 1984 to 1996, during which he earned a total of 10 medals, including nine golds.
In his debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Lewis matched the achievements of Jesse Owens by winning gold in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, and long jump.
His subsequent victories across the 1988, 1992, and 1996 Games solidified his reputation as one of the greatest track and field athletes of all time.
3. Allyson Felix(USA) - 7 Gold medals
Allyson Felix stands as the most decorated female athlete in Olympic track and field history.
Her career, spanning five consecutive Olympics from 2004 to 2020, has seen her win a total of 11 medals.
Felix’s seven gold medals highlight her versatility and dominance in both the individual and relay events.
Felix’s remarkable achievements include gold medals in the 200m and 4x400m relays at the 2012 London Olympics, as well as two more golds in Rio 2016.
Her career continued to shine with additional medals in Tokyo 2020, proving her enduring excellence on the track.
4. Usain Bolt (Jamaica)- 8 Gold medals
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is often hailed as the fastest man in history, and his Olympic success only cements this status.
Bolt’s career is highlighted by his three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events at the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, and 2016 Rio Games.
Bolt’s unprecedented triple-double achievements and world records in these events have set a benchmark in the sport.
His flair, speed, and charismatic performances have made him a global icon in athletics.
5. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica)- 3 Gold medals
Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is another prominent name in Olympic athletics.
Known for her explosive starts and exceptional speed, Fraser-Pryce has won three gold medals in the 100m across the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, and 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her ability to consistently perform at the highest level across four Olympics showcases her remarkable career.
These legendary athletes have not only achieved remarkable success but have also set records that continue to inspire future generations of track and field competitors.
From Paavo Nurmi’s unmatched versatility to Usain Bolt’s record-breaking sprints, their contributions to the sport have shaped the history of the Olympics and continue to captivate the world.
posted Monday August 12th
by Eric Munene