Team USA at the Summer Olympics Throughout the Decades main image
Scroll Down To Continue

Team USA at the Summer Olympics Throughout the Decades

The modern Olympics got their start in Athens in 1896, and the United States has been present for every single one since, with the exception of the 1980 games in Moscow. With the 2024 Summer games in Paris right around the corner, the country has yet another opportunity to let the rest of the world know what America is made of. 

Today, we're taking a look back through the decades to see the history of the United States team at the Summer Olympics. While some years may have been better for us than others, there really hasn't been a time when the US didn't dominate the winners' podium!

Let's get started!

1900 Paris Games

1900 Paris Games

The US team at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris achieved modest success. American athletes won 19 medals, including 14 golds, across various events. 

Notable performances included Ray Ewry, who secured three gold medals in standing jumps and Alvin Kraenzlein's four golds in track and field, setting a new standard for individual success. Despite organizational and logistical challenges, the US team demonstrated athletic prowess in the early Olympic Games.

Bettmann/Bettmann/Getty Images

1904 St. Louis Games

1904 St. Louis Games

The US team excelled at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, winning a total of 239 medals, including 78 golds. Dominating the events, American athletes capitalized on the limited international presence. 

Highlights included spectacular performances in track and field, swimming, and weightlifting. This success underscored the US's growing influence in the Olympic movement and showcased the athletic talent available within the country at that time.

New York Athletic Club, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

1912 Stockholm Games

1912 Stockholm Games

At the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, the US Olympic team performed exceptionally well, securing 63 medals, including 25 golds. Key achievements included Jim Thorpe's extraordinary performance, winning golds in both the pentathlon and decathlon.

Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku also made a significant impact by winning the 100-meter freestyle. These successes illustrated the strength and versatility of American athletes on the global stage.

Bettmann/Bettmann/Getty Images

1920 Antwerp Games

1920 Antwerp Games

The US Olympic team performed strongly at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, winning a total of 95 medals, including 41 golds. American athletes excelled in various sports, notably track and field, swimming, and rowing.

Key highlights included Charles Paddock's victory in the 100-meter dash and Duke Kahanamoku's continued dominance in swimming. The team's achievements underscored the depth and talent of American competitors.

Bettmann/Bettmann/Getty Images

1924 Paris Games

1924 Paris Games

The US Olympic team had a dominant performance at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, winning 99 medals, including 45 golds. The team excelled in track and field, swimming, and boxing. 

Notable achievements included Harold Osborn's gold in the decathlon and Ethel Lackie's two golds in swimming. These results solidified the United States' position as a leading force in international athletics.

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

1932 LA Games

1932 LA Games

The US Olympic team performed exceptionally well at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, winning 103 medals, including 41 golds. American athletes dominated in track and field, swimming, and gymnastics.

Key highlights included Eddie Tolan's victories in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints and Helene Madison's three gold medals in swimming. The team's success highlighted the depth of talent and preparation of American competitors.

Bhartiya Hockey, Copyrighted free use, via Wikimedia Commons

1936 Berlin Games

1936 Berlin Games

The US Olympic team had a notable performance at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, winning 56 medals, including 24 golds. Jesse Owens' standout achievements—securing four gold medals in track and field—were particularly significant. 

The team also excelled in swimming and boxing, reinforcing America's competitive strength on the global stage amidst a politically charged atmosphere.

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

1964 Tokyo Games

1964 Tokyo Games

The US Olympic team had a strong performance at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, securing 90 medals, including 36 golds. American athletes excelled in track and field, swimming, and boxing. 

Notable achievements included Don Schollander's four gold medals in swimming and Bob Hayes' gold in the 100-meter sprint. The team's success demonstrated the United States' continued dominance in various sporting disciplines.

Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

1968 Mexico City Games

1968 Mexico City Games

The US Olympic team excelled at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, winning 107 medals, including 45 golds. American athletes stood out in track and field, swimming, and basketball. 

Major achievements included Bob Beamon's record-breaking long jump and Tommie Smith and John Carlos' iconic 200-meter race results. 

Bettmann/Bettmann/Getty Images

1984 LA Games

1984 LA Games

The US Olympic team delivered an outstanding performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, winning 174 medals, including 83 golds. Dominating in track and field, swimming, and gymnastics, American athletes benefited from the Soviet-led boycott. 

Notable highlights included Carl Lewis matching Jesse Owens' 1936 feat with four gold medals in track and field. 

Focus on Sport/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

1988 Seoul Games

1988 Seoul Games

The US Olympic team had a strong showing at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, winning 94 medals, including 36 golds. American athletes excelled in track and field, swimming, and boxing. 

Key highlights included Florence Griffith-Joyner's three gold medals and one silver in track and field, as well as Greg Louganis' back-to-back golds in diving. 

Tony Duffy/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

2000 Sydney Games

2000 Sydney Games

The US Olympic team performed impressively at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, securing 93 medals, including 37 golds. American athletes excelled in track and field, swimming, and gymnastics.

Notable achievements included Marion Jones' five medals in track and field and Misty Hyman's surprise gold in the 200-meter butterfly. The team's success highlighted the depth and versatility of American competitors.

Pool Jo Sydney 2000/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

2012 London Games

2012 London Games

The US Olympic team excelled at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, winning 104 medals, including 46 golds. American athletes dominated in swimming, gymnastics, and track and field.

Notable performances included Michael Phelps' six medals, Gabby Douglas' all-around gymnastics gold, and Allyson Felix's three golds in track events. 

Ryan Pierse/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

2016 Rio Games

2016 Rio Games

The US Olympic team performed exceptionally at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, earning 121 medals, including 46 golds. American athletes excelled in swimming, gymnastics, and track and field.

Key highlights included Michael Phelps' five golds, Simone Biles' four golds in gymnastics, and the women's 4x100 meter relay team's victory. 

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

2021 Tokyo Games

2021 Tokyo Games

The US Olympic team delivered a strong performance at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, winning 113 medals, including 39 golds. American athletes excelled in swimming, track and field, and gymnastics. 

Highlights included Caeleb Dressel's five golds in swimming, Sydney McLaughlin's world record in the 400-meter hurdles, and the women's basketball team's seventh consecutive gold.

picture alliance/picture alliance/Getty Images

2024 Paris Games

2024 Paris Games

With the 2024 Summer Games set to begin soon in Paris, we can't wait to see what the US Olympic team will be able to accomplish this time. 

While the country's success remains to be seen this year, something tells us we'll be bringing home more than a few gold medals if our previous success is any indicator! 

Dustin Satloff/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images