Here Are The Iconic Olympic Athletes People Will Always Consider The Greatest Of All Time
Another Olympics have come and gone.
As we celebrate this year's medalists, we asked the BuzzFeed Community to share their pick for the GOAT of the games. Here are their choice athletes:
1.Usain Bolt
"He's the reason I didn't give up my senior year of high school, and I ended up having a great track season."
—Anonymous, Utah
"I remember a news segment where he revealed he sleeps in a pressure-controlled bed chamber. That just screams dedication! I can tell he's very competitive and doesn't let people get the best of him. He's not cocky and doesn't brag on social media. He lets his natural athletic talents do all the talking."
—Ally, Texas
"Michael Phelps is just simply the GOAT of swimming."
—Anonymous
"Hell, if he had just completed in 2008 my answer would still be him."
"He inspired me to swim and I got to lifeguard level by 12, only barred by the fact I had to be 18 to advance further."
—Elijah, Missouri
"He's not only the best swimmer, but he has 28 total medals with 23 of them being gold. He still holds the record for being the most decorated Olympian."
—Anonymous
3."Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade for this year's Olympics."
4."Micheal Phelps and Kate Ledecky are my top favorites of the Olympics. As someone who has competitively swam since second grade, it's incredible to see how fast they both can go. I also love seeing the techniques used so I can maybe try them out."
—Anonymous
5.Suni Lee
6.Kellie Harrington
"She just won her second gold medal in the Olympics in the women's 60kg boxing final. She previously won in Tokyo and has worked her way up to being a household name in Ireland. She works to promote sports for kids in poor areas, continues to help out in her community, and is a proud advocate of the LGBTQ+ community. In her interviews, she is authentic and never lets reporters make snide remarks about her opponents. She is grateful, kind, determined, funny, and has a lovely character. We are proud to have her represent us."
—Anonymous, Ireland
7.Bobby Finke
"He grew up swimming where I swim. He swam at the University of Florida (go Gators!) where I go to school. His races are so exciting to watch and it doesn't hurt that he's extremely ripped and good-looking."
—Anonymous
8.Clara Hughes
"One of my personal fave's is Clara Hughes. She is a summer and winter Olympic medal winner in cycling and speed skating. She won four bronze medals, one silver medal, and one gold medal."
9.Mijain Lopez
—Anonymous, Indiana
10."Simone Biles and Léon Marchand for 2024. Usain Bolt and Nadia Comăneci for the past."
11.Armand Duplantis
—Riqu
12.Stephen Nedoroscik
"Steve, the pommel horse nerd."
13.Simone Biles
"Simone Biles is definitely the GOAT of gymnastics. She is just an incredible athlete, gymnast, and person. She deserves a gold medal for that smile of hers as well, as it's just so contagious!"
—Anonymous
"Simone Biles has dominated for so long in a sport that generally doesn't let you compete for long. So she's the best in my book."
—Anonymous
"I'll base my response on who I think will still be looked back upon in 100 years as a person who elevated their sport in a way that is still being emulated. That title goes without question to Simone Biles. Mental health matters."
Who's your favorite Olympic athlete of all time? Share your pick in the comments!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
