Michael Phelps became only the fifth person to win a record nine golds when he powered to victory in the 200m freestyle. The other four, whose marks Phelps is sure to beat are:
Larysa Latynina (Soviet Union)
Gymnastics - 1956-1964
(9 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze)
The glamorous Ukrainian gymnast was strong in every discipline, taking gold in the all-round event twice and leading the Soviets to victory in the team event three times. She netted six medals in each of her three Olympiads giving her the most medals of any athlete at 18.
Paavo Nurmi (Finland)
Athletics - 1920-1928
(9 gold, 3 silver)
The Flying Finn’s tally is all the more striking because his wins came in endurance running – he specialised at 1,500m and 10,000m races and almost everything in between. His gold haul might have been higher but his Olympic career was cut short after he was charged with being a professional.
Mark Spitz (United States)
Swimming - 1968-1972
(9 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
Spitz had predicted before the 1968 Olympics that he would win six golds. He took only two but more than redeemed himself in 1972. Spitz claimed seven golds – the most in one Olympics for any competitor – and set world records with each.
Carl Lewis (United States)
Athletics - 1984-1988
(9 gold, 1 silver)
Lewis dominated the long jump in four straight Olympiads from 1984 to 1996 and also won the 100 metres twice, taking the 1988 title after Canada’s Ben Johnson was disqualified for doping. He also won gold in the 200 metres and 4x100m relay.
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