Top 10 countries with most Summer Olympic medals in history

The Olympic Games have evolved over time, but the dominance of winning medals in the sport began in 1896 in Athens. Since then, the event has undergone numerous changes. The Games have introduced various sports, but the top-ranked countries have largely maintained their positions.

Winning a medal at such a big stage is a significant honor for any sportsperson, and a gold medal makes them a sporting hero for their country. Hence, here are the top 10 countries with the most number of Olympic medals in history.

10. Hungary (530)

Hungary is one of the countries which participated in the first edition of the modern Olympics held in 1896. The central European nation currently ranks tenth in history with 530 medals won, with 187 of which are gold. Their first-ever Olympics gold medal winner was Alfréd Hajós, who won it for both men’s 100m and 1200m freestyle in swimming. 

9. Japan (542)

Japan has been a participant in the Olympics since 1912, and has consistently participated in most of the games since then. Their Olympic Committee was established in 1911. They missed the 1948 Games and boycotted in 1980. Japan won its first medals in 1920, followed by gold medals in 1928. They have won 542 Summer and 76 Winter Olympic medals, excelling in judo, gymnastics, wrestling, and swimming. The 2020 Tokyo Games were Japan's most successful edition.

8. Australia (600)

Australia, a renowned multisport nation, has been a major entity at the Olympics. The nation has twice served as host of the Olympic Games once in Melbourne in 1956 while the second time in Sydney in 2000. The country has mustered a total of 600 Olympic medals following the Paris Olympics 2024, out of which 147 are gold medals. Swimming has been their most successful Olympic sport overall.

7. Italy (658)

Italy, another European country that competed in the Olympics in Athens in 1896, has since developed much and is now among the top performers at the Summer Games. The Italians are ranked seventh in the rankings and have won a total of 658 Olympic medals, of which 229 are gold. The most successful event for them has been fencing. 

6. Germany (688)

Germany has consistently demonstrated their credentials in sports, particularly in terms of their discipline and tenacity. They have hosted the Olympic Games twice, once in 1936 in Berlin and in Munich in 1972. Germany have won 688 medals out of which 213 have been gold medals.

5. China (727)

The Asian nation debuted at the Summer Olympics in 1924. Since then, They have grown into one of the powerhouses at the Olympics. China has also served as hosts of the event once in 2008 when the Olympics were held in the capital city of Beijing. With 727 Olympic medals, including 303 gold medals, they are ranked sixth. They have dominated a number of sports at the Olympics in recent years and are only trying to get better.

4. France (815)

Just like Australia, France has previously hosted the esteemed event twice before hosting it for the third time in 2024 in Paris. The first one was in 1900, which was held in Paris with 24 participating nations. The second time was in 1924, in the capital city of France. They are currently fifth in the Olympics medals tally with 815, winning 239 gold in the process.

3. Great Britain (981)

Great Britain, one of the most powerful and adaptable countries to compete in the Olympics, has hosted the Summer Games three times, in 1908, 1948, and 2012, all in London. With 981 medals, they are at fourth spot in the Olympic medal standings. GB have won 298 gold medals till now.

Bradley Wiggins is the most decorated British Olympian with eight medals—five gold, one silver, and two bronze. However, Chris Hoy is frequently referred to as the most successful British athlete of the Olympics having won seven medals (6 gold, 1 silver). Great Britain is well spread out in almost every sport. Nonetheless, their greatest activities have been sailing, cycling, and athletics.

2. USSR (1204)

The Soviet Union first participated in the Summer Olympic Games in 1952. Even though they did well in the Olympics, they have only ever hosted the competition once, in Moscow in 1980. The Soviet Union as a whole, which has since split up into many independent countries, has won the second-most Olympic medals (1204 total). 

They have won a whopping 395 gold medals. The most successful Olympian in their history is the renowned gymnast Larisa Latynina, who took home 18 medals in total (9 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze).

1. United States (2764)

The United States of America has been a sports giant for a long time. They have established extremely high standards for others to follow. The USA has hosted the Summer Olympic Games four times, which is the highest for any country. The first time it was held was in 1904 in St. Louis, Missouri, followed by the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

In 1984 Los Angeles was again selected as the host city. It was held in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996 for the last time. The Americans have won the highest number of medals in the event’s history (2764) —1105 of which are gold.

Legendary swimmer Michael Phelps with 28 Olympic medals (23 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze) is the most successful and greatest athlete ever to grace the Olympics.

Cover Credits - Olympics.com