Paris 2024 started, and the world has the opportunity to see some of the best athletes in multiple sports. Even though there was a lot of controversy regarding the opening of the Olympic Games, and some people even threatened to boycott the competition, millions are paying attention to see which nation will win the most medals.
Speaking of Olympic medals, www.fordephotography.com shows that the USA is leading the chart with 2655 medals from the Olympic Games. This number includes gold, silver, and bronze, and the statistics cover everything from 1896 until 2020. “The USA definitely has the most impressive stats when it comes down to the Olympic Games. However, this does not mean they are the only country that deserves more attention”, said Kristiyan from NB.
Let’s analyze the top 10 nations in terms of Olympic medals and learn more about them. Keep in mind that the stats will not include the Paris 2024 results. All data here covers the events between 1896 and 2020.
#1 The USA
As mentioned, the US has a total of 2629 Olympic medals. What’s impressive about them is that over 1000 of these are gold. In other words, most of the medals this country has won over the last 130 years are gold.
Considering the nation’s success, it’s no surprise the USA is the leader in loads of sports. The list includes athletics, swimming, diving, basketball, rowing, boxing, shooting, beach volleyball, and more.
In terms of individuals, the USA is home to some of the best athletes from different sports. When it comes down to the Olympic Games, however, Michael Phelps is in a league of his own. The legendary swimmer has 23 gold medals, and people consider him to be the greatest Olympian of all time.
Mark Spitz and Carl Lewis are also huge names, and both have won 9 gold medals. Other important names include Jenny Thompson, Matt Biondi, Caeleb Dressel, and Ray Ewry.
There’s no argument that the US has dominated the Olympic Games in the last century. It will be interesting to see its results at Paris 2024 because it has one of the biggest selections of athletes.
#2 Soviet Union
Interestingly, the second-most successful country in terms of Olympic medals is the Soviet Union. Even though this country ceased to exist in 1991, the athletes accumulated a total of 1010 medals through its existence.
The battle between the Soviet Union and the USA during the Olympic games was always interesting. This is especially true during the Cold War period when the two countries did everything possible to out-do the other and win more medals.
Like the US, the Soviet Union had its share of legendary athletes that did a lot for the country. With that said, this state was better in some sports than others. For example, the country performed best in gymnastics, athletics, and wrestling. As for winter sports, the Soviet Union has the most medals in cross-country skiing.
In terms of individuals, Larisa Latynina has a total of 18 Olympic medals, followed by Nikolai Andrianov with 15 and Boris Shakhlin with 13. All 3 of them got their achievements in Gymnastics.
#3 Great Britain
Team Great Britain has always been one of the strongest squads during the Olympic games. This is true even today because the country has 327 athletes at Paris 2024 and will do everything possible to win.
With a total of 916 Olympic medals, the country is third on the list. Great Britain has been a force to be reckoned with across multiple sports. However, there’s no arguing that the country dominates the most in athletics. As of today, GB has 210 medals in this sport, which is almost double the number 2 on the list – cycling.
In terms of individuals, sports fans will know the name of Jason Kenny, a cyclist who has 9 medals. The list also includes Bradley Wiggings and Chris Hoy, with 8 and 7 medals, respectively.
#4 France
Another European country on the list of the nations with the most Olympic medals is France. Prior to Paris 2024, France had a total of 751 medals.
France is a very big name for many different sports, but the country stands out in fencing. The French athletes are also household names in Cycling and Athletics. Regarding individual performances, Martin Fourcade, Teddy Riner, and Alain Bernard lead the chart.
Considering that the 2024 Olympic Games will take place in Paris, the French athletes will do everything possible to win more medals than before. There are certain disciplines where France is hoping to dominate, so it will be intriguing to keep an eye on the final results.
#5 Germany
Deutschland is one of those countries that is good at sports, especially football. When it comes down to the Olympic games, however, Germany is 5th on the list of the countries with the most Olympic medals and has 655 awards.
Some of the German athletes will be among the big favourites at Paris 2024. If we look at the country’s stats across the different sports, we can see that Germany has consistent results. The country does best in canoeing, equestrians, and athletics.
In terms of individuals, Kathrin Boron is one of the country’s biggest names. Followed by Birgit Fischer-Schmidt and Georg Hackl.
#6 China
Some of you probably expected China to be higher on the list. However, prior to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the country was behind Germany with 636 medals.
China is among the nations that are consistent in several sports. However, there is no arguing that most people associate it with table tennis. The state is also famous for being good at diving, weightlifting, and badminton. In fact, the Chinese badminton representatives at Paris 2024 are among the big favourites to win the gold medal.
In terms of individual names, Wu Minixia is leading the chat with 7 Olympic Medals. Other big names also include Zou Kai, Ma Long, Chen Roulin and Guo Jingjing.
#7 Italy
Italians are famous for all sorts of things, including being among the go-to nations when it comes down to the Olympic Games. With 618 medals before Paris 2024, Italy is just a few medals away from China. Nevertheless, the two countries have a massive difference in their population, so Italy’s stats are impressive.
Most people associate Italy with football because it’s one of the best in the world. In terms of the Olympic Games, however, Italy is the best at fencing. The country has 130 medals in this sport alone. Besides fencing, Italians are good at cycling and athletics.
As for the most successful competitor, Edoardo Mangiarotti leads the chart with 13 medals in total. He is followed by Valentina Vezzali, Giuseppe Defino and Giovanna Trillini.
#8 Australia
Aussies are among the top athletes at almost every Olympic Games. Therefore, it should not be surprising that the country has won a total of 547 medals so far. This number will increase even more following the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Australia has good athletes across many different sports, but the country is the most successful at swimming. Another sport that Aussies are known for is athletics, followed by cycling and rowing.
In terms of individuals, Ian Thorpe has to be the country’s most impressive Olympic medalist. He is as important as Michael Phelps to the USA.
#9 Hungary
Despite its small size, Hungary has always been one of the most successful countries in the Olympic Games. Therefore, some people won’t be surprised by the fact that the country has 511 medals and is above nations like Japan.
When it comes to Hungary and sports, many people associate it with water polo and modern pentathlon. Hungarian athletes are also skilled in fencing, swimming, and canoeing.
As for the best individuals, some people will always think of Laszlo Cseh, Balazs Kover, and Zoltan Fodor.
#10 Sweden
With 503 Olympic Medals, Sweden takes the last spot on the list of the most successful countries. Sweden is very successful in a wide range of sports, including wrestling, athletics, and cross country skiing.
Regarding the most successful players, most people think of Kajsa Bergqvist, Stefan Holm, Christian Olsson, and more.
#Bonus – Japan
Lastly, we have another Asian country on the list – Japan. With 499 Olympic Medals before the beginning of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Japan is the last name on the list. Considering its performance so far, this number will increase a lot after the end of the tournament.
Japan has a rich tradition across multiple sports, but there’s no arguing that it is the best in judo. The Japanese judo athletes are always on another level, which is probably not surprising.
Besides Judo, Japan is good at Wrestling, Skateboarding and Gymnastics.
Regarding popular athletes, Yuzuru Hanyu is the first name that comes to mind. We can also add the likes of Kaori Icho, Sawao Kato, Kosuke Kitajima, and more.
Conclusion
Everyone eagerly awaits the end of the Paris 2024 Olympics and the stats. The best athletes in the world will do everything possible to improve their results and make their countries proud. Some will have more success than others, but we are yet to see the names of the states that will stand out.
