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Another Olympics have come and gone.

Stephen Curry smiles while holding a USA flag on a basketball court, wearing a Team USA jerseyStephen Curry smiles while holding a USA flag on a basketball court, wearing a Team USA jersey

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As we celebrate this year’s medalists, we asked the BuzzFeed Community to share their pick for the GOAT of the games. Here are their choice athletes:

1.Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt, wearing a Jamaica uniform, celebrates after a sprint at the OlympicsUsain Bolt, wearing a Jamaica uniform, celebrates after a sprint at the Olympics

“He’s the reason I didn’t give up my senior year of high school, and I ended up having a great track season.”

—Anonymous, Utah

Stu Forster / Getty Images

2.Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps holds his gold medal while wearing Team USA's jacket in front of Olympic ringsMichael Phelps holds his gold medal while wearing Team USA's jacket in front of Olympic rings

“Michael Phelps is just simply the GOAT of swimming.”

Michael Phelps swimmingMichael Phelps swimming

“Hell, if he had just completed in 2008 my answer would still be him.”

Michael Phelps smiles while holding a large American flag, wearing a jacket with the USA Olympic team logo and an Olympic medal around his neckMichael Phelps smiles while holding a large American flag, wearing a jacket with the USA Olympic team logo and an Olympic medal around his neck
Adam Pretty / Getty Images

“He inspired me to swim and I got to lifeguard level by 12, only barred by the fact I had to be 18 to advance further.”

Michael Phelps celebrates in a pool, wearing a swim cap and gogglesMichael Phelps celebrates in a pool, wearing a swim cap and goggles
Martin Bureau / AFP via Getty Images

“He’s not only the best swimmer, but he has 28 total medals with 23 of them being gold. He still holds the record for being the most decorated Olympian.”

Michael Phelps holds a gold medal and smiles broadlyMichael Phelps holds a gold medal and smiles broadly
Ian Macnicol / Getty Images

3.Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade for this year’s Olympics.”

Rebeca Andrade holding a gold medalRebeca Andrade holding a gold medal
Jamie Squire / Getty Images

4.“Micheal Phelps and Kate Ledecky are my top favorites of the Olympics. As someone who has competitively swam since second grade, it’s incredible to see how fast they both can go. I also love seeing the techniques used so I can maybe try them out.”

Katie Ledecky in a swim attireKatie Ledecky in a swim attire
Mondadori Portfolio / Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

5.Suni Lee

Suni Lee wearing an American flag leotard at the OlympicsSuni Lee wearing an American flag leotard at the Olympics
Jamie Squire / Getty Images

6.Kellie Harrington

Kellie Harrington celebrates victory in the ringKellie Harrington celebrates victory in the ring

7.Bobby Finke

Bobby Finke swimmingBobby Finke swimming

“He grew up swimming where I swim. He swam at the University of Florida (go Gators!) where I go to school. His races are so exciting to watch and it doesn’t hurt that he’s extremely ripped and good-looking.”

—Anonymous

Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

8.Clara Hughes

Clara Hughes skatingClara Hughes skating

9.Mijain Lopez

Mijain Lopez in a Cuba sporting uniformMijain Lopez in a Cuba sporting uniform
Sarah Stier / Getty Images

10.“Simone Biles and Léon Marchand for 2024. Usain Bolt and Nadia Comăneci for the past.”

Léon Marchand wearing a gold medal with his shirt off and raising his arms in the airLéon Marchand wearing a gold medal with his shirt off and raising his arms in the air
Carl Recine / Getty Images

11.Armand Duplantis

Armand Duplantis celebrating with a Swedish flag draped over his shoulders at the 2024 Paris OlympicsArmand Duplantis celebrating with a Swedish flag draped over his shoulders at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Patrick Smith / Getty Images

12.Stephen Nedoroscik

Stephen Nedoroscik holding an American flag while he wears a tracksuitStephen Nedoroscik holding an American flag while he wears a tracksuit
Jamie Squire / Getty Images

13.Simone Biles

Simone Biles smiling, arms folded, wearing a blue tracksuit, showcasing her numerous Olympic medalsSimone Biles smiling, arms folded, wearing a blue tracksuit, showcasing her numerous Olympic medals

“Simone Biles is definitely the GOAT of gymnastics. She is just an incredible athlete, gymnast, and person. She deserves a gold medal for that smile of hers as well, as it’s just so contagious!”

—Anonymous

Jamie Squire / Getty Images

“Simone Biles has dominated for so long in a sport that generally doesn’t let you compete for long. So she’s the best in my book.”

Simone Biles performs on the balance beam at the Paris Olympic gamesSimone Biles performs on the balance beam at the Paris Olympic games
Jamie Squire / Getty Images

“I’ll base my response on who I think will still be looked back upon in 100 years as a person who elevated their sport in a way that is still being emulated. That title goes without question to Simone Biles. Mental health matters.”

Simone Biles smiles and walks at a gymnastics event, wearing a leotard with "USA" printed on itSimone Biles smiles and walks at a gymnastics event, wearing a leotard with "USA" printed on it
Paul Ellis / AFP via Getty Images

Who’s your favorite Olympic athlete of all time? Share your pick in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.


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