United States

The United States has competed at every Olympic Games with the exception of the 1980 Moscow Games, and has never failed to be represented at the Olympic Winter Games. In addition, it had skaters present in both 1908 and 1920 when those events were held with the summer celebration. It has been the dominant country in terms of medals won since the inception of the Games, with over 2,500 medals won, including more than 1,000 gold medals. However, in the era from 1952-1988, the Soviet Union won slightly more medals, and the German Democratic Republic threatened this dominance prior to its merger with West Germany in October 1990. Unsurprisingly, many of the most successful Olympians have come from the United States, notably Michael Phelps (18 gold medals), Ray Ewry (10), Mark Spitz, and Carl Lewis (both 9).

The United States has also been host to the Olympic Games more than any other country. Four times the Games of the Olympiad have been held in the United States: 1904 in St. Louis, 1932 in Los Angeles, 1984 in Los Angeles, and 1996 in Atlanta. The Olympic Winter Games have also been held in the United States four times: 1932 in Lake Placid, 1960 in Squaw Valley, 1980 in Lake Placid, and 2002 in Salt Lake City.