Most Summer Olympic Medals have been won by countries that established themselves as frontrunners in the early days of the Olympic Games, which began in Athens in 1896. Since then, the tradition of winning medals has evolved, with various new sports being introduced over the years. Despite these changes, many of the countries that excelled in the beginning continue to lead the medal tally.
Winning an Olympic medal is a prestigious achievement for any athlete, and securing a gold medal often elevates someone to the status of a national hero.
Here, we will explore the top 10 countries that have won the most Summer Olympic Medals in history.
10. Hungary (530)
Hungary was among the countries that took part in the first modern Olympics in 1896. Today, Hungary ranks tenth on the all-time medal count list with a total of 530 medals, including 187 golds. The country’s first gold medal was won by Alfréd Hajós, who achieved this in both the men’s 100m and 1200m freestyle events.
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9. Japan (542)
Japan first entered the Olympics in 1912 and has taken part in nearly every Games since then. They skipped the 1948 Games and chose not to participate in 1980. Japan’s initial medals were won in 1920, with their first gold medals coming in 1928. To date, Japan has earned 542 medals in the Summer Olympics and 76 in the Winter Olympics, showing notable strength in judo, gymnastics, wrestling, and swimming. The Tokyo Games in 2020 marked Japan’s most successful performance. The Japanese Olympic Committee was founded in 1911.
8. Australia (600)
A prominent figure in the world of sports, has played a significant role in the Olympics. The country has hosted the Games on two occasions: first in Melbourne in 1956 and then in Sydney in 2000. Since the Paris Olympics, Australia has earned a total of 600 medals, including 147 gold. Swimming has been their most successful sport in the Olympic arena.
7. Italy (658)
Italy, a country that participated in the 1896 Athens Olympics, has made significant progress over the years and now ranks among the top nations in the Summer Games. Currently holding the seventh spot in the overall rankings, Italy has earned a total of 658 Olympic medals, including 229 gold. Fencing has been a standout sport for them.
6. Germany (688)
Germany has consistently demonstrated their prowess in sports through their dedication and discipline. They have hosted the Olympic Games twice: first in Berlin in 1936 and then in Munich in 1972. Germany has secured a total of 688 medals, with 213 of those being gold.
5. China (727)
The Asian country first participated in the Summer Olympics in 1924 and has since grown into a major force in the Games. China also hosted the Olympics in 2008, with the event taking place in Beijing.
Currently, they rank sixth with a total of 727 Olympic medals, including 303 gold. In recent years, China has excelled in various sports and aims to continue improving.
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4. France (815)
Similar to Australia, France has hosted the prestigious event twice. The first instance was in 1900 in Paris, with 24 countries taking part. The second occurrence was also in Paris, in 1924.
Currently, France ranks fifth in the Olympic medal standings, with a total of 815 medals, including 239 golds.
3. Great Britain (981)
Great Britain is a prominent and versatile country in the Olympics, having hosted the Summer Games three times: in 1908, 1948, and 2012, all in London. They rank fourth in the Olympic medal standings with a total of 981 medals, including 298 gold medals.
Bradley Wiggins holds the record for the most Olympic medals among Britons, with eight medals in total (5 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze). Chris Hoy follows with seven Olympic medals (6 gold, 1 silver) and is often regarded as the most successful British athlete in Olympic history.
Great Britain excels in a wide range of sports, with cycling, athletics, and sailing being their strongest areas.
2. USSR (1010)
The Soviet Union made its debut at the Summer Olympics in 1952. Although they achieved great success in the Games, they only hosted them once, in Moscow in 1980. After the Soviet Union split into several independent countries, it had won the second-highest total of Olympic medals, with 1556.
They secured an impressive 395 gold medals. The most successful Olympian from the Soviet Union was gymnast Larisa Latynina, who won a total of 18 medals: 9 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze.
1. United States (2764)
The USA has long been a dominant force in sports, setting high standards for others to follow. They have hosted the Summer Olympics four times, the most of any country. The first occasion was in 1904 in St. Louis, Missouri, followed by the 1932 Games in Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles hosted the Olympics again in 1984, and the most recent event was in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1996. The USA has won the most medals in Olympic history, with a total of 2,764, including 1,105 gold medals.
Michael Phelps, a legendary swimmer, holds the record for the most Olympic medals ever earned, with 28 in total—23 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze.
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