Greatest American Olympians of All Time
Michael Phelps or Jesse Owens
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
What happens when a trailblazer from the era of black-and-white film meets a modern-day titan of the Olympic pool? This isn't just a contest between Jesse Owens and Michael Phelps—it's a time-spanning duel between groundbreaking track feats and unprecedented aquatic domination. Owens, with his defiant sprints in the face of 1936 Berlin's oppressive regime, and Phelps, the embodiment of relentless success with 23 gold medals, represent not just different eras but contrasting narratives of American excellence. What's at stake? A redefinition of Olympic supremacy. Will fans lean towards historic valor or unparalleled medal counts?
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Michael Phelps over Jesse Owens when it comes to the greatest American Olympians of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Michael Phelps 63.2% of the time over Jesse Owens.
Across all battles:
Michael Phelps win rate: 79.3%
Jesse Owens win rate: 65.9%
Fan FAQs
Why is Michael Phelps winning by such a margin?
Phelps's overwhelming collection of gold medals and his iconic performances in multiple Olympics have cemented his status in many fans' hearts. Additionally, his recent achievements provide a fresher memory, contributing to his larger margin in the votes.
Why do fans love Jesse Owens?
Fans adore Jesse Owens not just for his incredible performance at the 1936 Olympics, where he won four gold medals, but for his role in breaking down racial barriers. His grace under immense pressure and his defiance against racial discrimination resonate deeply with many.
Who is better: Jesse Owens or Michael Phelps?
Right now, Michael Phelps is leading in the fan votes. His dominance in swimming with a record 23 Olympic gold medals has a lot of fans voting his way, feeling he redefined the sport on a global level.