The athlete who holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals is Michael Phelps, an American swimmer. Phelps has an astounding total of 23 gold medals earned across four Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016). His dominance in the pool has set numerous world records and has made him one of the most celebrated Olympians in history. Phelps's achievements have inspired countless athletes and changed the landscape of competitive swimming.