Ohio has produced 41 Olympic gold medalists, with several standing out as particularly exceptional athletes. Here are the most notable Olympic champions from the Buckeye State:

LeBron James (Akron)

• Gold medals in 2008 London and 2012 Beijing Olympics
• Bronze medal in 2004 Athens Olympics
• Led Team USA's fast-break offense with his athleticism and showmanship

Gary Hall Jr.

• 10 total Olympic medals
• Gold medals in three different Olympics:
  • 1996: 400m Men's Freestyle and 400m medley
  • 2000: 50m Men's Freestyle and 4x100m freestyle
  • 2004: 50m Men's Freestyle

Katie Smith

• Three consecutive gold medals in women's basketball (2000, 2004, 2008)
• Holds WNBA career scoring record
• Currently coaches Minnesota Lynx

Harry "Butch" Reynolds

• 1988 Seoul Olympics: Gold (4x400m relay) and Silver (400m)
• Four-time World Championships gold medalist
• Held 400m world record for 11 years

Charles Daniels

• First Ohio-born Olympic gold medalist
• 1904 St. Louis Olympics: Gold in 220 yds, 440 yds, and 4x50 yds swim
• 1908 London Olympics: Gold in 100m
• Invented the "American Crawl" (modern freestyle stroke)
• Eight total Olympic medals and two world records

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