Olympic athletes who made history

Katie Ledecky made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the most decorated U.S. female Olympian and the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history. Her continued accumulation of medals solidifies her as one of the greatest Olympians of all time.

Simone Biles returned to the Olympics in Paris 2024, becoming the most decorated gymnast of all time and contributing to the first all-Black podium in gymnastics history. Her achievements cement her legacy as a gymnastics icon and a powerful advocate for mental health.

Noah Lyles won the men's 100-meter gold medal at Paris 2024, bringing the title of 'fastest man in the world' back to the United States for the first time in 20 years. His victory in this prestigious event was a highly anticipated and historic moment for American athletics.

Carlos Yulo became the Philippines' first double gold medalist in gymnastics at Paris 2024, winning the men's floor exercise and matching Hidilyn Diaz's accomplishment. He is the first Filipino athlete to win two Olympic titles in a single Games, marking a historic achievement for his country.

Julien Alfred achieved a historic upset at Paris 2024, winning Saint Lucia's first-ever Olympic medal, a gold, in the 100m final. Her triumph over a strong field of sprinters put her country on the Olympic map and inspired many.

Thea LaFond leaped to history at Paris 2024, achieving Dominica's first Olympic gold medal in the women's triple jump. Her monumental achievement brought unprecedented recognition to her nation in the Olympic arena.

Letsile Tebogo won Botswana's first Olympic gold medal in the men's 200m at Paris 2024, marking a historic moment for his nation in athletics. His sprint victory brought immense pride and global attention to Botswana.

Kaylia Nemour became the first African gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024, achieving gold in the women's uneven bars. Her historic victory with the highest score in any gymnastics competition up to that point was a groundbreaking achievement for African gymnastics.

Cindy Ngamba made history at Paris 2024 as the first refugee athlete to win a medal at an Olympic Games. Her bronze medal was a powerful symbol of hope and resilience for refugees worldwide, transcending sport.

Elaine Thompson-Herah set an Olympic record of 10.61 seconds in the women's 100 meters at Tokyo 2020, a feat no woman had achieved before. Her dominant performance solidified her as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, making her 100m record a significant historical marker.

Sifan Hassan achieved an unprecedented triple-medal haul at Tokyo 2020, winning gold in the 5000m and 10,000m, and bronze in the 1500m. She became the only athlete in history to medal in these three diverse events at the same Olympic Games, showcasing extraordinary versatility.

Hidilyn Diaz won the women's 55kg weightlifting event at Tokyo 2020, becoming the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medalist. She also set a new Olympic record, ending a long Olympic drought for her nation and becoming a national hero.

Brother and sister Abe Hifumi and Abe Uta made history at Tokyo 2020 by becoming the first siblings to win judo Olympic gold medals at the same Games, and on the same day. Their simultaneous victories in their home country were a unique and heartwarming moment.

At just 13 years old, Momiji Nishiya became the youngest person ever to win a gold medal for Japan in the inaugural women's street skateboarding event at Tokyo 2020. Her youth and pioneering gold medal in a new Olympic sport made her an instant sensation.

Sunisa Lee became the first Hmong American Olympic gold medalist at Tokyo 2020 after winning the individual all-around competition in artistic gymnastics. Her gold medal was a historic moment for the Hmong American community and a testament to her resilience.

Quinn became the first openly trans athlete to win an Olympic medal when Canada's women's soccer team won gold at Tokyo 2020. Their gold medal marked a historic moment for transgender athletes in the Olympics, promoting greater inclusion and representation.

Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi shared the Olympic gold medal in the high jump at Tokyo 2020, a rare and iconic moment epitomizing the Olympic spirit. Their decision to forgo a jump-off to break a tie became one of the most memorable and inspiring moments of the Games.

Allyson Felix is the most decorated athlete in track and field history, with 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds, across five Olympic appearances. Her unparalleled medal count and longevity make her a true icon of the sport and a historic figure.

Nino Salukvadze made history at Paris 2024 by becoming the first and only athlete to compete in 10 consecutive Olympic Games, having participated in every Games since Seoul 1988. Her unparalleled longevity and dedication to shooting set a new record for Olympic appearances.