Only 39 countries have won more Olympic gold medals than Michael Phelps in the entire history of the Games.
Having won his 21st gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay with Conor Dwyer, Townley Haas, and Ryan Lochte on Tuesday, Phelps now equals Ethiopia’s total, having already surpassed Argentina and Austria (countries with populations of 41.4m and 8.5m respectively) during this Games.
Ahead of him are some countries which no longer exist, such as Yugoslavia, Unified Team of Germany, Czechoslovakia, West Germany, East Germany and the Soviet Union.
Behind him are 189 present or historical countries.
Here’s a breakdown, if you needed to feel any more inferior.
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:celebuzz.com)
