The Most Famous Winter Olympian, Ranked

Choose the Winter Olympian you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 14, 2024 07:17
Throughout the icy thrill of Winter Olympics history, certain athletes stand out not just for their skill, but for the inspiring stories they bring. Knowing who ranks at the top can spark debate and admiration, fostering a richer connection to the games and its heroes. It highlights trends in popular sports and athletes, and reveals how public perceptions shift over time. This dynamic ranking evolves with your input, reflecting collective opinions on who holds the torch as the most famous Winter Olympian. By contributing votes, users directly influence the leaderboard, offering a unique, crowd-sourced perspective. This not only enhances engagement but also keeps the list fresh and relevant.

Who Is the Most Famous Winter Olympian?

  1. 1
    32
    votes
    With 13 Olympic medals, he is the most successful Winter Olympian of all time. He won his first medal in 1998 and continued to compete until 2018.
  2. 2
    16
    votes
    Marit Bjørgen
    Frankie Fouganthin · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Norwegian cross-country skier has won 15 Olympic medals, making her the most decorated female Winter Olympian. She won her first medal in 2002 and her last in 2018.
  3. 3
    28
    votes
    Another Norwegian cross-country skier, Dæhlie won 12 Olympic medals between 1992 and 1998, including 8 golds.
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    The Ukrainian freestyle skier won the gold medal in aerials at the 2018 Winter Olympics, becoming the first Ukrainian male to win a Winter Olympic gold medal.
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    The American snowboarder has won three Olympic gold medals and is known for his impressive tricks and high-flying jumps.
    Shaun White in other rankings
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    Lindsey Vonn
    Stefan Brending (2eight) · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
    The American alpine skier won four Olympic medals (including one gold) and is considered one of the greatest female skiers of all time.
    Lindsey Vonn is a former alpine ski racer from the United States known for her exceptional beauty and skill on the slopes. She has captured the attention of fans worldwide with her grace, strength, and captivating presence.
    • Nationality: American
    • Sport: Alpine skiing
    • Achievements: Four-time World Cup overall champion, Olympic gold medalist, and multiple-time World Championship medalist
    • Speed: Known for her incredible speed and ability to navigate challenging downhill courses
    • Skill: Demonstrates exceptional technical skill in various alpine skiing disciplines
    Lindsey Vonn in other rankings
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    Yuna Kim
    Sfcphoto.KeunHwa · CC BY 3.0
    The South Korean figure skater won the gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics and is considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time.
    Yuna Kim in other rankings
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    The Canadian ice dance duo won two Olympic gold medals and are known for their incredible chemistry and skill on the ice.
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Shani Davis
    McSmit · CC BY 2.5
    The American speed skater has won two Olympic gold medals and is known for his speed and endurance on the ice.
    Shani Davis in other rankings
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    Kjetil André Aamodt
    Kjetil Ree · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The Norwegian alpine skier won eight Olympic medals (including four golds) between 1992 and 2006, making him one of the most successful Winter Olympians of all time.

Missing your favorite Winter Olympian?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for famous Winter Olympian

  1. Olympic success
    Consider the number of medals won, particularly gold medals, as well as the overall performance and longevity of the athlete's Olympic career.
  2. Records and achievements
    Take into consideration any world records set or specific accomplishments that have contributed to the athlete's legacy in their respective sport.
  3. Popularity
    Assess the athlete's overall recognition and popularity, both within the sporting community and amongst the general public. This can be determined by factors such as media coverage, fanbase, social media presence, and endorsement deals.
  4. Impact and influence
    Analyze the athlete's impact on their sport and the Winter Olympics as a whole. Consider how their performances have inspired future generations, contributed to the growth of their sport, or had a significant cultural impact.
  5. Longevity and relevance
    Consider the athlete's career longevity and continued relevance even outside the Winter Olympics, such as participation in other major sporting events, involvement in advocacy or charitable work, or successful transitions into other areas like coaching or broadcasting.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Winter Olympian. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Athlete is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1075 views
  • 142 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Athlete once every 24 hours. The rank of each Athlete is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous winter olympian

The Winter Olympics have been a showcase of raw talent, determination, and dedication since their inception in 1924. Athletes from around the world come together every four years to compete in a variety of winter sports, from skiing and snowboarding to ice hockey and figure skating. Over the years, many legendary athletes have graced the Winter Olympics stage, leaving their mark on the history of the games. But who is the most famous Winter Olympian of all time? With so many incredible athletes to choose from, it's a tough call. From the likes of Sonja Henie and Ole Einar Bjørndalen to Shaun White and Lindsey Vonn, the list of potential candidates is endless. Join us as we explore the lives and legacies of some of the most famous Winter Olympians of all time.

Share this article