The athlete who holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals is Michael Phelps, an American swimmer. Phelps won a total of 23 gold medals over the course of his Olympic career, spanning four Olympic Games from 2004 to 2016. His exceptional talent, dedication, and versatility across various swimming events made him a dominant force in the sport. Phelps's record-breaking achievements have solidified his status in Olympic history, and he remains one of the greatest athletes of all time, inspiring future generations of swimmers.