Gymnastics ranks among the most popular sports in the United States, with the nation’s gymnasts achieving remarkable success across the Olympics, World Championships, and other prestigious international events. Renowned for producing some of the world’s greatest artistic gymnasts, the USA’s influence on the sport extends far beyond the competition floor.
At the Paris Olympics 2024, gymnastics stood out as one of the top medal-earning sports for Team USA, with athletes securing an impressive 9 medals: 3 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze. This performance continued the legacy of excellence demonstrated by American gymnasts in previous Olympic editions, bringing immense pride to the nation.
5. Mary Lou Retton
Mary Lou Retton made history by becoming the first American gymnast to win the women’s all-around title at the Olympics. She achieved this remarkable feat at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where she delivered perfect 10s on both the floor exercise and vault during the finals. In addition to her historic gold, Retton secured four other medals at the same Olympics—two silver and two bronze—cementing her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts in USA history.
4. Aly Raisman
Aly Raisman is a celebrated gymnast known for her outstanding achievements and her advocacy for survivors of abuse. As the captain of the USA women’s gymnastics teams at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, Raisman led her teams to gold medals. Individually, she claimed the floor exercise gold in 2012, two silvers in all-around and floor exercise in 2016, and a bronze on the balance beam in 2012.
Raisman was also one of the brave gymnasts who spoke out against sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. She delivered a powerful victim impact statement during his sentencing, becoming a leading voice for change in the sport.
3. Nastia Liukin
Nastia Liukin is regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she showcased her incredible talent by winning five medals—gold in the all-around, silver in the team event, uneven bars, and balance beam, and bronze in the floor exercise. In addition to her Olympic success, Liukin won nine World Championship medals, including four gold and five silver.
Although she did not qualify for the 2012 London Olympics, Liukin served as an athlete representative for the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). She continues to contribute to the sport by hosting the annual Nastia Liukin Cup, which provides a platform for pre-elite gymnasts to compete on a grand stage.
2. Shannon Miller
Shannon Miller was the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history until Simone Biles surpassed her record at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Over her illustrious career, Miller won seven Olympic medals—two gold, two silver, and three bronze—and was a key member of the “Magnificent Seven” team that secured a historic gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
At the World Championships, Miller earned nine medals, including five gold. Beyond gymnastics, she established the Shannon Miller Foundation, dedicated to promoting childhood health and combating obesity.
1. Simone Biles
Simone Biles is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast in history. With a staggering 30 World Championship medals—23 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze—she is the most decorated gymnast in Artistic Gymnastics World Championships history.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Biles further solidified her legendary status by winning three golds (team, all-around, and vault) and a silver in floor exercise, bringing her total Olympic medal tally to 11, including 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals.