June 17, 2026, 6:02 a.m. ET This week, we're asking readers, "Who are the greatest U.S. swimmers and gymnasts of all time?" A second question: Is this as easy as answering, "Michael Phelps and Simone Biles"? That's likely to be the consensus, considering we're talking about two of the most decorated U.S. Olympians of all time. However, American exceptionalism in the pool and on the mat extends beyond these two titans of their respective sports.