Where does Michael Phelps' haul of 23 gold medals rank among the greatest sporting achievements of all time?

#3 Michael Phelps’ tally of 23 Olympic gold medals

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time

If you are ever looking for a tale of inspiration, talent, hard work, struggle, determination, work ethic and unprecedented success, all combined in one, do not go beyond Michael Phelps. The United States swimmer, by far, is the greatest in the history of not only his sport but the Olympics as well. A staggering 23 gold medals and 27 overall, Phelps has dominated swimming for more than a decade, whichs is no mean feat.

Starting off at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Phelps has literally wiped away all other names at the top of the swimming tree and made a big house of his own there. Dominating like no one else, Phelps has won gold medals at the 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. During the course of his career, Phelps has shattered, set and sustained many world records, which are not likely to be broken any time soon. Also, you might see him at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and he might add to that tally further.