In what year did Michael Phelps become the most decorated Olympian of all time?
2012
At the London Olympics in 2012, Michael Phelps made history by becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time. By adding four gold and two silver medals to his collection at those games, Phelps brought his total to 22 medals, surpassing the previous record of 18 medals held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina. His feat in London not only broke an Olympic record; it also cemented his reputation as the greatest swimmer of all time and illustrated the remarkable human capacity to push the boundaries of the possible. Phelps's performance in London, combined with his successes in three previous Olympics, has inspired generations of athletes and left an indelible mark on sports history.