Who holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals in track and field events?
The most Olympic medals in track and field history are held by Finnish distance runner Paavo Nurmi. Between 1920 and 1928, Nurmi participated in 12 events across three Olympic Games (1920, 1924, and 1928). His remarkable achievements include nine gold medals and three silver medals in events such as the men’s 5000m and 10,000m1. Nurmi was part of a talented group of Finnish athletes known as the “Flying Finns” who left an indelible mark on Olympic history.
For female athletes, American sprinter Allyson Felix and Jamaica’s Merlene Ottey share the record for the most Olympic medals in track and field, each with nine medals. Ottey competed in five Olympic Games from 1980 to 2000, while Felix is a four-time Olympian who has participated in the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 Games1. Their remarkable performances have solidified their places in track and field history.
