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30 Olympic athletes who dominated their events

By Patrick Morgan

Jul 9, 2015; Montreal, CAN; A general view as fireworks illuminate the olympic rings on top the Canada Olympic House during the Excellence Day. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2015; Montreal, CAN; A general view as fireworks illuminate the olympic rings on top the Canada Olympic House during the Excellence Day. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /
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SYDNEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Jenny Thompson of the USA competes in the Women’s 100 meter butterfly swimming semifinal of the 2000 Olympic Games on September 16, 2000 at the Sydney International Aquatic Center in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
SYDNEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Jenny Thompson of the USA competes in the Women’s 100 meter butterfly swimming semifinal of the 2000 Olympic Games on September 16, 2000 at the Sydney International Aquatic Center in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

8. Jenny Thompson

When it comes to the Olympics, what the Soviets/Russians are to gymnastics, the Americans are to swimming. Six of the 30 athletes on this list are swimmers from the United States, which seems like an absurdly high percentage until you look at each of their individual resumes. Suddenly it all makes sense, and not a one of them could or should be left off when considering the top Olympians who dominated at their sport.

Thompson might have the same number of medals (12) as her fellow countrywomen Dara Torres and Natalie Coughlin, but she’s significantly higher than them on this countdown because of one major difference. Whereas only three of Coughlin’s medals and only four of Torres’ medals are gold, Thompson can boast that eight of her 12 medals are gold. The other four? Three silver and one bronze… not too shabby either.

Among her many accolades and titles, Thompson can introduce herself as the most decorated female Olympic swimmer in history. In addition to her eight Olympic championship titles, she also has 11 World Championship titles, 25 Pan Pacific Championship titles, and 2 Pan American Games titles. Thompson has more titles than just about anyone not named Daenerys Targaryen.

Next: 7. Bjørn Dæhlie

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