There can surely be no doubt that Phelps will get the three medals required to take him past Larisa Latynina ( 18 medals ) to become the most - decorated Olympian .
Larisa Latynina ( 18 medals ) is the former Soviet gymnast .
There can surely be no doubt that Phelps will get the three medals required to take him past Larisa Latynina ( 18 medals ) , the former Soviet gymnast , to become the most - decorated Olympian .