Since the start of the Olympic Games in 1896, nations across the globe have garnered a number of different medals.
From the inception of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, the United States has established itself as a powerhouse, consistently topping medal counts and setting records that still stand today. Whether it’s the track, the pool or the gymnasium, American athletes have not only excelled but redefined what it means to compete at the highest level. This dominance has become a hallmark of the Games, making the U.S. a perpetual favorite across almost every sport.
The United States’ Olympic legacy is one of unmatched excellence with American athletes frequently standing atop the podium. From early victories in track and field to recent triumphs in gymnastics and swimming, the U.S. has consistently set the bar for what it means to be an Olympic champion.
This dominance is not just measured in medals but in the lasting impact American athletes have had on the Games themselves, inspiring generations and pushing the boundaries of athletic performance.
A number of other nations, such as Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Japan, China, Great Britain and Canada have also garnered hundreds of medal since the start of the Olympic Games.
However, the U.S. has remained at the top of the all-time medal count, as the chart below, created by Newsweek, shows how the medal counts stack up since 1896.
Since 1896, the U.S. has won over 2,000 medals in the Olympic Games, with more to come following the end of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Following behind the U.S. is Great Britain, which has garnered 950 medals, France, which has garnered 889 medals, Italy with 759 medals and China with 713.
In the current Olympic Games, the U.S. is actively raking in medals and with little signs of this slowing down. At the time of this writing, Team USA is projected to break a 40-year record.
Gracenote, a sport data business that makes predictions based on current performance so far, has waged that Team USA will take home a staggering 128 medals. If this comes to fruition, not only will the United States top the medal count, but it would also be the most medals Team USA has won since the 1984 Los Angeles games where the final tally was 174.
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With 594 athletes, the U.S. also has the largest delegation at this year’s games. France has the second most athletes with 573, followed by Australia (460), Germany (427), Japan (404), Italy (403) and China (388).