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20 Notable Black Olympic Winners
The Olympic Games have served as a beacon of unity among countries. Welcoming athletes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, including Black and African American participants who have left an indelible mark on Olympic history. Since their early participation, Black athletes have defied odds, shattered records, and inspired millions worldwide with their exceptional performances in a wide array of sports.
From Jesse Owens’ stunning triumphs at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he claimed four gold medals in defiance of Nazi ideology, to Muhammad Ali’s graceful dominance in the boxing ring at the 1960 Rome Olympics, these athletes have not only showcased their athletic abilities but also challenged societal norms and prejudices.
Over the decades, icons like Carl Lewis, Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Serena and Venus Williams have continued this legacy of excellence, amassing multiple gold medals and setting new standards in track and field, tennis, and beyond.
The inclusion and success of Black athletes at the Olympics reflect the ongoing journey toward equality and representation in global sports, inspiring generations to dream big and reach for the highest podiums of achievement.
Check Out the Full List Below!
1. Jesse Owens – Track and Field (1936 Berlin Olympics) – 4 Gold medals (100m, 200m, long jump, 4x100m relay).
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2. Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) – Boxing (1960 Rome Olympics) – Gold medal in light heavyweight division.
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3. Carl Lewis – Track and Field – 9 Gold medals (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 Olympics).
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4. Florence Griffith-Joyner – Track and Field (1988 Seoul Olympics) – 3 Gold medals (100m, 200m, 4x100m relay).
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5. Wilma Rudolph – Track and Field (1960 Rome Olympics) – 3 Gold medals (100m, 200m, 4x100m relay).
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6. Serena Williams – Tennis – 4 Gold medals (2000, 2008, 2012, 2020 Olympics) and 1 Silver medal (2016 Olympics) in doubles and mixed doubles.
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7. Venus Williams – Tennis – 4 Gold medals (2000, 2008, 2012, 2020 Olympics) and 1 Silver medal (2016 Olympics) in doubles and mixed doubles.
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8. Michael Johnson – Track and Field – 4 Gold medals (1992, 1996 Olympics).
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9. Jackie Joyner-Kersee – Track and Field – 6 medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze) (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 Olympics).
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10. Usain Bolt – Track and Field – 8 Gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016 Olympics).
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11. Allyson Felix – Track and Field – 11 medals (7 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze) (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 Olympics).
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12. Simone Biles – Gymnastics – 7 medals (4 Gold, 3 Bronze) (2016, 2020 Olympics).
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13. Shani Davis – Speed Skating – 2 Gold medals (2006, 2010 Olympics).
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14. Cullen Jones – Swimming – 4 medals (2 Gold, 2 Silver) (2008, 2012 Olympics).
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15. Claressa Shields – Boxing – 2 Gold medals (2012, 2016 Olympics).
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16. Gwen Torrence – Track and Field – 5 medals (4 Gold, 1 Silver) (1988, 1992, 1996 Olympics).
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17. Magic Johnson – Basketball – 1 Gold medal (1992 Olympics).
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18. Kobe Bryant – Basketball – 2 Gold medals (2008, 2012 Olympics).
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19. LeBron James – Basketball – 4 Gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 Olympics).
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20. Lisa Leslie – Basketball – 4 Gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 Olympics).
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