Usain Bolt Names Himself Greatest Olympian Ever Ahead of Michael Phelps

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt once openly addressed the debate over the greatest Olympian of all time, revealing his own choice when asked to pick between himself and American swimming icon Michael Phelps.

Bolt remains widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history and arguably the most dominant sprinter ever to compete at the Olympic Games. The Jamaican superstar secured Olympic gold medals across three consecutive Games — Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. Across his Olympic career, the now 39-year-old amassed an impressive total of eight gold medals.

Usain Bolt’s Olympic dominance

PulseNets learnt that Bolt’s Olympic journey began in spectacular fashion at the Beijing 2008 Games, where he captured gold in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events. Four years later at the London 2012 Olympics, he repeated the feat, again winning gold in the same two sprint events.

During the London Games, Bolt also competed with the Jamaican 4x100m relay team, helping secure another gold medal and raising his Olympic tally to five gold medals across two Olympic appearances.

PulseNets reported that Bolt added three more Olympic gold medals during the Rio 2016 Games. Competing once again in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, he completed a historic Olympic sweep that cemented his place among the most accomplished athletes in Olympic history.

The Jamaican sprinter officially ended his athletics career in 2017 following the World Championships in London.

Usain Bolt’s Olympic medal record

PulseNets obtained that Bolt currently sits 17th on the list of all-time Olympic gold medal winners, a ranking topped by American swimming great Michael Phelps.

Michael Phelps’ historic Olympic career

PulseNets learnt that Phelps competed in the Olympic Games for over a decade, excelling across multiple swimming disciplines both individually and as part of relay teams.

The American swimmer first appeared at the Sydney 2000 Olympics at just 15 years old before going on to compete at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016.

Throughout those five Olympic appearances, Phelps amassed a staggering 28 Olympic medals, including a record-breaking 23 gold medals. His final Olympic outing in Rio 2016 alone delivered five gold medals and one silver.

Michael Phelps’ Olympic medal record

Bolt declares himself the greatest Olympian

Despite Phelps’ record-breaking medal haul, PulseNets learnt that Bolt once insisted his achievements on the track made him the greatest Olympian in history.

Speaking during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show after the Rio 2016 Olympics, Bolt expressed confidence in his own legacy.

“I would have to go for myself, for sure. It’s just hard work and dedication. It’s what I wanted (to be the fastest man on the planet) so I knew if I wanted it, I had to work for it. I have a great team around me, a great coach that helps me to stay focused, and I just work towards what I want. I’m just always staying on top. When I started I was quick, but I think when I was like 15 or 16 was when I really realised I had a great talent.”

Bolt still holds world sprint records

PulseNets reported that Bolt remains the fastest man in recorded history, still holding the world records in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events.

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He set the historic marks at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin, running the 100m in 9.58 seconds and the 200m in 19.19 seconds, times that remain unbeaten in global athletics.