Inspired by the ancient games held in the Greek town of Olympia from the 8th century BC, the Olympic Games is arguably the biggest sporting occasion on the planet (although the football World Cup certainly gives it a run for its money).
The first modern games took place in Athens in 1896 and now take place every four years.
In that time only 35 athletes have won 10 or more Olympic medals - dominating their respective sports to a remarkable degree at several successive games.
When it comes to medal tables - and determining the best Olympians of all time - it’s usually a case of simply who has won most gold medals.
This means that American athlete Carl Lewis comes 5th on the all-time list, with nine gold medals and one silver.
But Lewis is only 27th in the list of competitors who have won the most medals of any colour.
Here are the top 10.
1. Michael Phelps
The greatest Olympian of all time is American swimmer Michael Phelps. He won a total of 28 Olympic medals between 2004–2016 - 23 gold, 3 silver and 2 gold. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Larisa Latynina
The most decorated female Olympian in history is Larisa Latynina. The gymnast won 10 medals for the Soviet Union between 1956 and 1964 - 9 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze. | Getty Images
3. Paavo Nurmi
Completing our list is Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi who won 12 Olympic medals from 1920–1928. 11 other athletes have reached this total, but Nurmi has more gold medals than any of them - 9, along with three silver. Swimmers Emma McKeon and Katie Ledecky could overtake him at this Olympics. | Getty Images
4. Marit Bjorgen
With 15 Olympic medals to her name, Norway's Marit is the most successful Winter Olympian in history. Between 2002 and 2018 the cross-country skier won 8 golds, 4 silvers and 3 golds. | Getty Images