The Greatest Olympic Athletes in History: Top 8 Legends

1. Usain Bolt (Jamaica) - Considered one of the greatest sprinters of all time, Bolt won multiple gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events, setting numerous world records in the process.

2. Michael Phelps (United States) - Phelps is the most decorated Olympic swimmer, with 23 gold medals and numerous world records in various swimming events.

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3. Carl Lewis (United States) - Lewis excelled in track and field, winning nine Olympic gold medals in events like the long jump and the 100m and 200m sprints.

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4. Paavo Nurmi (Finland) - Nurmi, known as the "Flying Finn," dominated middle and long-distance running in the 1920s, winning nine gold medals in total.

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5. Nadia Comăneci (Romania) - Comăneci made gymnastics history by becoming the first gymnast to score a perfect 10.0 at the Olympics and won a total of nine medals, including five golds.

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6. Jesse Owens (United States) - Owens famously won four gold medals in track and field events at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, dispelling Adolf Hitler's notion of Aryan supremacy.

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7. Simone Biles (United States) - Biles is a gymnastics sensation, winning multiple gold medals and breaking records for her exceptional skills and performances.

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8. Sergey Bubka (Ukraine) - Bubka is a pole vaulting legend who won multiple Olympic medals and set numerous world records in his career.

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