Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 28 medals, including 23 golds. He also holds the world records for the most Olympic gold medals in individual events (13) and the most Olympic medals in individual events (16). He has competed in five Olympics, from 2000 to 2016, and has dominated various swimming events, especially the butterfly and the medley.
Katie Ledecky is a freestyle specialist who has won seven Olympic medals, including six golds. She also holds the world records for the women's 400, 800, and 1500 meter freestyle events. She has competed in two Olympics, in 2012 and 2016, and has broken 14 world records in her career. She is known for her endurance and dominance in long-distance events.
Mark Spitz is a former swimmer who won nine Olympic medals, including seven golds at the 1972 Munich Olympics, a record that stood until 2008. He also set world records in all seven events he won, a feat that has never been matched. He competed in two Olympics, in 1968 and 1972, and excelled in freestyle and butterfly events.
Ian Thorpe is a retired swimmer who won five Olympic medals, including four golds. He also holds the world record for the men's 400 meter freestyle event. He competed in two Olympics, in 2000 and 2004, and was nicknamed the Thorpedo for his speed and power in freestyle events. He is the most successful Australian Olympian in history.
Simone Manuel is a sprint freestyle specialist who has won seven Olympic medals, including four golds. She also holds the world record for the women's 100 meter freestyle event. She has competed in two Olympics, in 2016 and 2020, and made history as the first African-American woman to win an individual Olympic gold in swimming.