The athlete with the most Olympic gold medals in history is Michael Phelps. The American swimmer has won a total of **23 gold medals** across four Olympic Games, from 2004 to 2016. His dominance in the pool, especially in the individual medley and butterfly events, has established him as one of the greatest Olympians of all time. Phelps's revolutionary training techniques and work ethic have also inspired many athletes in various sports. His achievements have not only changed the landscape of swimming but also raised the popularity of the Olympics worldwide.