Updated: | Originally published: ;
Michael Phelps has won more than twice as many gold medals as any other Olympian—and more than many entire nations. Since the modern Olympics began in 1896, 66 countries have taken home fewer gold medals in all than the 23 golds accrued by Phelps in his past four appearances at the Summer Olympics. And that doesn’t include the 42 countries that have participated without winning any gold medals.
Phelps won six gold medals in Athens in 2004, eight in Beijing in 2008, four in London in 2012, and five in Rio.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Where Trump 2.0 Will Differ From 1.0
- How Elon Musk Became a Kingmaker
- The Power—And Limits—of Peer Support
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com