Prior to the start of the 2012 games, the most total medals won by a single athlete is 18 by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latyninawho competed in 1956, 1960, and 1964.
The most held by a male athlete is 16 by Michael Phelpsof the US, who has 14 gold and 2 bronze. The 14 gold (2004 and 2008) are also the most by any Olympic athlete. 10 of his medals are in individual events and 6 in team competition.
The male athlete with the most individual medals is Soviet gymnast Nicolai Andrianov with 12 medals, including 6 gold, between 1972 and 1980.
The British athlete who has won the most gold medals is Sebastian Cole.
Michael Phelps (22 medals).
England typically competes under the flag of the United Kingdom during the Olympic games. The English athlete with the most Olympic medals is Chris Hoy.
Apolo Anton Ohno has the most winter olympic medals for the United States at 8 and counting.
Michael Phelps of the US has the most olympic gold medals (14 total in 2004 and 2008) and the most medals by a male athlete (16 including his 2 bronze medals).
The British athlete who has won the most gold medals is Sebastian Cole.
Michael Phelps (22 medals).
Bjørn Dæhlie with 12 medals.
Currently Michael Phelps holds the world record for the most Olympic medals won at 22 medals.
England typically competes under the flag of the United Kingdom during the Olympic games. The English athlete with the most Olympic medals is Chris Hoy.
Michael Phelps the SWIMMER
Ole Einar Bjørndalen has won the most Winter Olympic medal with 13 total medals. The American with the most Winter Olympic medals is Apolo Anton Ohno with 8 total medals.
The most successful and decorated Olympic athlete as of 2014 is Michael Phelps. He has 22 Olympic medals with 18 being gold medals.
Apolo Anton Ohno has the most winter olympic medals for the United States at 8 and counting.
Micheal Phelps
Michael Phelps of the US has the most olympic gold medals (14 total in 2004 and 2008) and the most medals by a male athlete (16 including his 2 bronze medals).
Micheal Phelps the swimmer from the U.S.A. has won the most medals