Greatest U.S. Summer Olympians of All-Time

By Shane R

Olympic Symbol Landmark

In 2016, the United States won its 1,000th gold medal in the Summer Olympics. This begs the question: Who are some of the best U.S. Summer Olympians of All-Time? Here is our list.

#3 – Jesse Owens

Owens participated in the 1936 Olympics when Nazi Germany was sharing its “white supremacy” beliefs. Owens, a black man, did not care, winning gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and the 4×100. The Olympics were in Berlin during Owen’s amazing feat, and the German crowd was even impressed. Today, the street outside the Berlin Olympic Stadium is named for Jesse Owens.

#2 – Carl Lewis

When Sports Illustrated and the International Olympic Committee call you the “Olympian of the Century,” you can bet Carl Lewis was the real deal. In 1984, Lewis won gold medals in the 100, 200, long jump, and 4×100. Lewis was the most impressive in the long jump because he won the even in 4 straight Olympics. Overall, Lewis won 9 gold medals in his career and 10 medals overall.

Olympic Figure

#1 – Michael Phelps

The most decorated swimmer and Olympian of all-time is Michael Phelps. To put it this way, Phelps has more gold medals over his Olympic career than 110 other countries. How crazy is that! Phelps won 6 gold medals in 2004 and 8 more in 2008. Overall, Phelps won 28 medals with 23 of them gold.

Many people hope Phelps will compete in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Phelps will only be 36-years-old. There is certainly a chance he could get to 30 total medals, which would be a ridiculous feat for sure. Also, it would be Phelps’ sixth Olympics if he competes.