Heavy medal rockers: Michael Phelps and the most prodigious Olympians

Two summers ago in Rio, Michael Phelps presumably swam his last Olympic race — the third leg of the 4×100 freestyle relay final. After the race was won, Phelps engaged in a four-way embrace with relay teammates Ryan Murphy, Cody Miller and Nathan Adrian.

Wow! The best way to finish! It has been an honor to represent the USA! A true dream come true!!! #23 #28 #usarelay #gettysport

A photo posted by Michael Phelps (@m_phelps00) on Aug 14, 2016 at 4:22pm PDT

MINING FOR MEDALS IN RIO

With 22 medals won in the previous four Games, Phelps entered the 2016 Olympic Games having already distinguished himself as greatest Olympian of all time. In Brazil, he put in yet another typical workweek…

August 7

4×100 freestyle relay – GOLD – 3:09.92 (with Caeleb Dressel, Ryan Held, Nathan Adrian)

August 9

200 butterfly – GOLD – 1:53.36

4×200 freestyle relay – GOLD – 7:00.66 (with Conor Dwyer, Townley Haas, Ryan Lochte)

August 11

200 medley– GOLD – 1:54.66

August 12

100 butterfly– SILVER – 51.14

August 13

4×100 medley relay – GOLD – 3:27.95 (with Ryan Murphy, Cody Miller, Nathan Adrian)

By week’s end, Phelps had added to his record collection of Olympic hardware with his 23rd gold medal and 28th overall.

While Phelps’ success is globally recognized, can you name any of the six other athletes in history to win 13 or more Olympic medals? Interestingly, of the seven elite Olympians, none have more lesser medals than greater (in other words, none have more silver than gold, or more bronze than silver).