Mumbai, July 25: The Paris Olympics will finally kickstart officially on Friday. Ahead of the mega event, let us look at the most successful athletes in Olympic history.

Michael Phelps (USA, 2004-16)

Phelps is the most successful athlete in Olympic history, dominating the swimming arena for 12 straight years. He won a total of 23 gold medals, most by any player, three silver and two bronze medals. His total of 28 medals is the highest by an individual in Olympics. Argentina Handball Player Pablo Simonet Proposes to Women's Hockey Team's Pilar Campoy at Paris Olympics 2024 Games Village, See Pics and Video.

Larisa Latynina (Soviet Union, 1956-64)

The former Soviet gymnast is the most successful female athlete in Olympics, having secured 18 medals in the competition history, with nine of them being gold, five silver and four bronze medals.

Nikolai Andrianov (Soviet Union, 1972-80)

Another legend from gymnastics occupies the third spot in the list, having won 15 medals, including seven gold medals, five silver and three bronze medals.

Boris Shakhlin (Soviet Union, 1956-64)

The third gymnast in the list. He won seven golds, four silver and two bronze medals in his eight-year Olympic career.

Edoardo Mangiarotti (1936-60)

A fencing legend from Italy who had a decorated Olympic career lasting 24 years. He won six gold medals, five silvers and two bronze medals in his career.

Takashi Ono (Japan, 1952–1964)

The Japanese gymnast won a total of 13 Olympic medals throughout his career, including five golds and four silver and bronze medals each.

Paavo Nurmi (Finland, 1920–1928)

The Finnish athlete is one of the most decorated names in athletics history, having 12 Olympic medals to his name, including nine gold and three silver medals.

Birgit Fischer (Germany, 1980-2004)

The German Canoeing star enjoyed a two-decade-long career in Olympics, during which she secured eight golds and four silver medals.

Sawao Kato (Japan, 1968–1976)

Another gymnast in the list. This Japanese athlete secured a total of 12 Olympic medals, including eight gold medals, three silver and a bronze medal. Indian Olympic Team Eyes Double-Digit Medal Haul As Paris Olympics 2024 Set for Grand Start.

Jenny Thompson (United States, 1992-2004)

The most decorated women's swimmer in Olympic history. She won a total of eight gold medals, three silver and a bronze medal, for a total 12 medals in her career.