Who is the Greatest Olympian of All Time?
Who is the greatest Olympian in the history of the summer Olympic Games? We have previously asked the same question, with up to 10 options, but with the success of both Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt in Rio 2016, this question of the greatest ever Olympian is essentially a two-horse race. We asked: Who do you think is the greatest Olympian - Phelps or Bolt (or someone else)?
If you thought that the greatest Olympian is not one of Bolt and Phelps, there was the option of 'other'. Also see our other Olympics Polls.
Nominees
- Michael Phelps — American swimmer, the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 28 medals, 23 of them gold.
- Usain Bolt — Jamaican sprinter, with eight Olympic gold medals, he won the 100 m, 200 m at three consecutive Olympic Games.
When the poll was closed in 2025, the most popular response by a long way was Michael Phelps.
the results when the poll was archived in 2025Disclaimer: These polls are not scientific, and only reflect the opinion of visitors to this website who have chosen to participate.
Related Pages
- Greatest Olympian (poll from 2012) — we previously asked the same question, with up to 10 options,
- More Olympic Games Polls
- About the Summer Olympics
- See also the poll about your favorite Summer Olympic Games sports
- List of Sports and Fitness Polls
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
