Why Olympic Swimmers Win so Many Medals

Michael Phelps may collect gold medals like they’re Brazilian centavos, but he's not the only swimmer dominating the all-time medal tally. While no other Olympian has won more medals than Phelps, his fellow swimmers account for eight of the top 10 spots on the list of America's most-decorated Summer Olympians.

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The reason is simple: U.S. swimming has long been strong and the sport has ample opportunity to win medals.