1. The best swimmer in the world is Michael Phelps. He is an american swimmer, who has won a total of 14 olympic gold medals, more than any Olympic athlete that has achieved to date.
2. The one who follows Michael Phelps in the ranking is Ian Thorphe. He is a retired Australian swimmer. He won 5 gold medals in Olympic Games, being the highest mark achieved by any australian athlete.
3. The third best swimmer in the world is Alexander Popov. He is a Russian former swimmer who is considered one of the best swimmers in history.
4. Then comes Mark Spitz. He is an American swimmer who won 7 gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics, breaking world record in each of his triumphs.
5. The last best swimmer in the ranking is Ryan Lochte. Lochte is a multiple records beater and Olympic gold medalist, he won the 2004 Olympic Games in the 4x200 m freestyle, silver medalist at the
