As with all sports, the world of swimming has its own legend. Their names may not be in the mainstream media as other athletes, but they rightfully deserve their places among the most successful people in the world.
We have devised a list of top male swimmers that have made a huge impact on the sport. These names will not only be remembered for the number of medals they have won, but also for bringing innovation to the sport. If you think that some of them still have a chance to win more medals you can predict that by redeeming your Unibet bonus code now.
And now the list!
Michael Phelps (USA)
Most people would agree that Michael Phelps is the greatest swimmer that has ever lived. He holds so many records to his name that it is hard to disagree with that. The most important accolade is the record 22 Olympic Gold medals he has to his name.
Besides that, Phelps also holds the current world records in the 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter butterfly, and 400-meter individual medley.
Mark Spitz (USA)
Mark the Shark Spitz may be retired now but his legacy is still known to many. He was the original unbeaten king long before Phelps came to the scene. Mark was the first to win seven gold medals at a single Olympic tournament, which he achieved at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Spitz has a total of 33 swimming records to his name and has won the World Swimmer of the Year three times.
Ian Thorpe (Australia)
Appropriately nicknamed the Thorpedo, Ian Thorpe is one of the most famous athletes Australia has ever produced. Thorpe became the first athlete to win six gold medals at the World Championship, which he managed at the 2001 World Aquatic Championship. He has the second-highest number of gold medals at the World Championship with 11 to his name.
Ian also won five Olympic Gold medals, unique for an Australian. He was voted as the Swimmer of the Year four times and best athlete in Australia two times.
Aleksandr Popov (Russia)
Popov was regarded as one of the fastest sprint swim style swimmers during his time. In fact, some would even say of all times. During his career, Aleksandr won four gold and five silver Olympic medals.
Besides that, he has six gold, four silver, and one bronze medal while competing at the World Championship. His European Championship achievements are even greater with 21 gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.
Pieter van den Hoogenband (Netherlands)
Known as the Flying Dutchman, Pieter van den Hoogenband made his Olympic Games debut at the tender age of 18. He was immediately viewed as a great talent and the future of the sport. He proved all of those claims by winning three gold, 10 silver, and four bronze Olympic medals. He is a former world record holder and also has seven silver and two bronze medals from the World Championships.