Michael Phelps was the most searched athlete on Google in 2016

Only Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were searched more than Michael Phelps in 2016

Swimmer Michael Phelps was the most searched athlete on Google in 2016. Only Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were searched more on the web.

Phelps was one of the stars of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro as he closed out his Olympic career with six medals – five gold and one silver. Phelps also served as the U.S. flag bearer in the opening ceremony.

This week Phelps was honored at the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award ceremony with the title of “Greatest Olympian of All Time.”

•; 360 video: Go on stage with Jay-Z, Phelps at the Sportsperson of the Year ceremony

"Olympics" were the second-most searched event in 2016, behind "US Election" in the Global News category. The World Series, Tour De France, Wimbledon and Australian Open were among the top five most–searched global sporting events. 

Muhammad Ali was the fifth-most searched celebrity who died in 2016.