Who tops the list in Lithuanian sports?
From the basketball arenas to the Olympic podium, who makes the biggest impact?
Discover the most popular athletes from Lithuania, and explore how they’ve influenced their sports and put their country on the world stage.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Lithuania.
Most popular athletes from Lithuania:
- Arvydas Sabonis
- Šarūnas Marčiulionis
- Rūta Meilutytė
- Virgilijus Alekna
- Šarūnas Jasikevičius
- Laura Asadauskaitė
- Gintaras Krapikas
- Raimondas Šarūnas
- Simona Krupeckaitė
Table of Contents
#1 Arvydas Sabonis
- 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
- 🎂 Born in: 1964
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal (1988)
Arvydas Sabonis, a Lithuanian basketball legend, has left an indelible mark on the sport by excelling both in Europe and the NBA. His incredible skills, towering presence, and versatility influenced a generation of players and fans alike.
Off the court, Sabonis has remained active in basketball as a team executive, nurturing the next generation of Lithuanian talent.
#2 Šarūnas Marčiulionis
- 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
- 🎂 Born in: 1964
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Bronze Medal (1992, 1996)
Šarūnas Marčiulionis, a pioneer of Lithuanian and European basketball, helped pave the way for European players in the NBA. His aggressive scoring, unmatched competitiveness, and never-give-up mentality earned him respect from fans and opponents alike.
Off the court, Marčiulionis has been actively involved in developing basketball in Lithuania, contributing to the sport’s popularity in the country.
#3 Rūta Meilutytė
- 🏆 Sport(s): Swimming
- 🎂 Born in: 1997
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal (2012)
Rūta Meilutytė, a Lithuanian swimming sensation, became the youngest Olympic gold medalist for Lithuania when she won the women’s 100m breaststroke in the 2012 Olympic Games. Her success significantly boosted the popularity of swimming in Lithuania.
Despite facing adversities, Meilutytė has remained an inspiration for young athletes, showing perseverance and ambition.
#4 Virgilijus Alekna
- 🏆 Sport(s): Discus throw
- 🎂 Born in: 1972
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Olympic Gold Medals (2000, 2004)
Virgilijus Alekna, one of Lithuania’s most decorated track and field athletes, dominated the discus throw for over a decade. His impressive achievements have brought global recognition to Lithuania in the world of athletics.
Alekna’s dedication and commitment to sports exemplify the spirit of hard work and determination for aspiring Lithuanian athletes.
#5 Šarūnas Jasikevičius
- 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
- 🎂 Born in: 1976
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 4-time Euroleague Champion (2003, 2005, 2009, 2011)
Šarūnas Jasikevičius, a highly successful Lithuanian basketball player and coach, has enjoyed an illustrious career winning multiple championships in Europe. His intelligent playmaking, leadership, and clutch performances have earned him admiration from both fans and opponents.
After his playing career, Jasikevičius has transitioned into coaching, continuing to contribute to Lithuanian basketball and its growth.
#6 Laura Asadauskaitė
- 🏆 Sport(s): Modern Pentathlon
- 🎂 Born in: 1984
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal (2012)
Laura Asadauskaitė, an exceptional modern pentathlete, became the first Lithuanian to win an Olympic gold medal in the event during the 2012 London Olympics. Her remarkable achievements have brought attention to the modern pentathlon in Lithuania.
Asadauskaitė’s commitment to her sport and her competitive spirit have made her a role model for aspiring athletes in Lithuania.
#7 Gintaras Krapikas
- 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
- 🎂 Born in: 1961
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Bronze Medal (1992, 1996)
Gintaras Krapikas, a former Lithuanian basketball player, and coach, was part of the legendary Lithuanian national team that won Olympic bronze medals in 1992 and 1996. His consistent play and teamwork were instrumental in contributing to the team’s success.
Since retiring from his playing career, Krapikas has continued to impact Lithuanian basketball through coaching and fostering young talent.
#8 Raimondas Šarūnas
- 🏆 Sport(s): Marathon Running
- 🎂 Born in: 1974
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Chicago Marathon Winner (2008)
Raimondas Šarūnas, a Lithuanian long-distance runner, became the first Lithuanian to win the prestigious Chicago Marathon. His achievements in marathon running have brought recognition to Lithuania in the international running scene.
Šarūnas’s determination and desire to succeed have made him an inspiration for up-and-coming Lithuanian runners.
#9 Simona Krupeckaitė
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track Cycling
- 🎂 Born in: 1982
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Multiple European and World Champion
Simona Krupeckaitė, a Lithuanian track cyclist, has consistently performed at the highest level in European and World Championships. She is considered one of the most successful and decorated track cyclists in Lithuania’s history.
Her drive and commitment to her sport have made Krupeckaitė a role model for aspiring cyclists in Lithuania and beyond.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Lithuania?
Arvydas Sabonis is considered the greatest athlete in Lithuania’s history.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Lithuania?
Rūta Meilutytė is the most famous female athlete from Lithuania.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Lithuania?
Basketball has the most popular athletes from Lithuania.
Which athlete from Lithuania is most popular internationally?
Basketball player Domantas Sabonis is the most internationally recognized Lithuanian athlete.
