How many Olympic medals does Michael Phelps have?

How many Olympic medals does Michael Phelps have? The legendary American swimmer holds an unprecedented 28 Olympic medals, making him the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Michael Phelps' Medal Breakdown

Phelps' extraordinary Olympic career spans four Games from 2004 to 2016, with his medal collection consisting of:

- 23 Gold medals - the most gold medals won by any Olympic athlete

- 3 Silver medals

- 2 Bronze medals

Olympic Games Performance

Athens 2004: Phelps burst onto the Olympic scene with 6 gold and 2 bronze medals, establishing himself as a swimming phenomenon.

Beijing 2008: His most dominant performance came in Beijing, where he won a record-breaking 8 gold medals in a single Olympics, surpassing Mark Spitz's previous record of 7 golds.

London 2012: Phelps added 4 gold and 2 silver medals to his collection, though he faced increased competition from younger swimmers.

Rio 2016: In his final Olympic appearance, Phelps secured 5 gold and 1 silver medal, cementing his legacy with a spectacular farewell performance.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Beyond the sheer number of medals, Phelps holds several remarkable records:

- Most Olympic gold medals by an individual athlete (23)

- Most Olympic medals won at a single Games (8 in Beijing 2008)

- Most Olympic individual medley titles (4 in 200m IM, 2 in 400m IM)

His dominance across multiple swimming disciplines—from butterfly and freestyle to individual medley events—showcases his versatility and exceptional talent.

Phelps officially retired after Rio 2016, leaving behind an unmatched Olympic legacy. To fully appreciate the magnitude of his achievements, explore his world records and the impact he's had on competitive swimming worldwide.