We are just a few days away from the Paris Olympics 2024, a multisport event testing the calibre and preparations of the world's top-selected athletes. Players throughout their careers dream of winning a medal for their country at the Olympic games. They make numerous sacrifices and work hard (beyond imagination) to achieve the ultimate glory. Only three athletes, finishing on the podium make a name for themselves, while other competitors start fresh for the next Olympic games after the heartbreak. Andy Murray Confirms Retirement After Paris Olympics 2024, Shares Heartfelt Post on Social Media.

With thousands of such medal winners in every Olympic edition, few make a notable impact that lasts beyond centuries. Some players made their mark on the Olympic games with their unique abilities and not to forget hard work and itched their names in the history books. Check out some of the amazing records and record holders below.

Most Olympic Medals Won by an Athlete –

Michel Phelps: 28 Medals (23 Gold, 3 silver 2 bronze Sport: Swimming, Country: USA)

Those who follow the Olympic Games are well aware of the world's leading swimmer who took over the Olympic Games in his every appearance. He won a medal in four out of five Olympic Games he participated in missing out only in his debut in 2000. He won 23 gold Medals which is also a record for most Gold Medals by an athlete and has total of 28 Medals.

Most Medals in a Single Olympic Event:

Michel Phelps: 8 Medals (8 Gold, Sport: Swimming, Country: USA, Olympic Edition: 2008)

Needless to mention the most decorated Olympian Michael Phelps has a record of winning the most medals in a single edition of the Olympic Games. Michael Phelps’s record of eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics stands as the record for most Olympic golds won in a single edition of the Summer Games. Interestingly Phelps won gold in every event he took part in. USA Favoured to Top Paris Olympic Games 2024 Medal Tally, China May Challenge for Most Gold on Medal Table

Most consecutive Olympic Gold medals in the same event

We have a tie here with four athletes winning four consecutive Gold Medals in a particular discipline.  Americans Carl Lewis (Long Jump), Denmark’s Paul Elvstrom (Sailing), and Alfred Oerter (Discus Throw) have all won gold medals in four consecutive Olympic Games.  As for the women’s category, Japanese wrestler Kaori Icho, with four consecutive golds is considered as one of the finest wrestlers of her generation.

Youngest Olympic Medalist

Inge Sorensen: Bronze Medal (Sport: Swimming, Country: Denmark, Olympic Edition: 1936)

While it takes years of practice and preparations to qualify for the Olympic Games and win a medal, fans will be shocked to see a 12 years and 24-day-old athlete taking a podium finish on a grand stage. Inge Sorensen is the youngest athlete to win an individual Olympic medal as she won bronze in the 200m breaststroke at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. In the male category, her compatriot, 14 years and 11 days old Nils Skoglund became the youngest male athlete to win an individual Olympic medal. He won silver medal in the plain high diving event at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.

Oldest Olympic Medalist

Oscar Swahn: Gold Medal (Sport: Deer Double Shots Team Event, Country: Sweeden, Olympic Edition: 1920)

72 years and 279 days was the recorded age when Swedish shooter Oscar Swahn won the Olympic gold in the 100m running deer double shots team event at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.  Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz Reach Olympic Village for Paris Olympics 2024 (See Pics).

Most appearances at the Olympics

Ian Millar: 10 Appearances (Sport: Equestrian, Country: Canada, Olympic Editions: 1972-2012)

Qualifying for the Olympics itself is an honour with the competition around the world. But Canadian equestrian rider Ian Millar was consistent enough to make it into 10 Olympic Games from 1972 to 2012. He won one Olympic silver medal.

Fastest Sprinter:

Usain Bolt: Gold Medal (Sport: 100 M, Country: Jamaica, Olympic Edition: 2012)

When it comes to sprints, there is no one faster than the Jamaican star Usain Bolt. The multi-gold medal winner holds multiple records as the fastest sprinter in the 100-meter event at the 2012 Olympics clocking 9.63 seconds and also for the 200-meter event in 2008 clocking 19.30 seconds for the distance. He is part of the relay record also held by the Jamaican team. Ace Shuttler Chirag Shetty Shares Photos From Olympic Village As Indian Badminton Team Reaches Venue for Paris Olympics 2024 (See Pics).

Other notable records

In the High Jump event, USA’s Charles Austin holds the record with a 2.39-meter jump during the 1996 Olympic Games. In the Long Jump event, Bob Beamon of the USA recorded an 8.90-meter jump in the 1968 Olympics. In the case of the Javelin Throw, Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway has a record of 90.57-meter throw during the 2008 Olympics.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2024 02:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).