The athlete renowned for holding the record for the most Olympic gold medals is Michael Phelps, an American swimmer. Phelps has secured a total of 23 gold medals throughout his Olympic career, spanning from 2004 to 2016. His dominance in swimming events, particularly in the butterfly and freestyle disciplines, has solidified his status as one of the greatest Olympians of all time. His achievements have inspired countless athletes and contributed to the global popularity of swimming as a competitive sport.