Athletes on Time's 100 Most Influential

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I think it speaks to the power of sports that 10% of this year’s Time 100 Most Influential People list are involved in some sort of sporting competition. For the eight athletes (and two former athletes) on the list, it further speaks to the power of the individual in sports in innovating for the future.

Each of these athletes are shattering some sort of record - it’s not like Steph’s success on the court by himself and with the Warriors this year hasn’t been documented excessively by ESPN. Same with Spieth’s record year on the golf course. But what I love about the Time list is that they’re not including these record breaking athletes for stats they annihilate, they’re including them because of the cultural change they’re actively contributing to, a fact that each of them are very aware of it. Tony Romo’s quote about Speith sums up these athletes up perfectly, these athletes...

"...make you remember what our heroes are meant to look like. On and off the field"

These athletes are keenly aware of their role model status, whether they’re outspoken about their own relevance or trying to fly under the radar, and they’re leading their lives as examples off the field like champions they are. Steph has not only changed the way the basketball is played, but he’s also reinforcing how to live as a family man in front of the cameras. Ibtihaj is acutely aware that she’ll be the first woman at the Olympics to wear a hijab, and she’s additionally proud that she’s doing so as an American. (what an amazing political statement). Or Sania, who’s providing hope for billions of Indians who watched her take one broken singles goal and transform it into a truly dominating doubles career. And then there’s Rhonda Rousey, who, as in stated in a brilliant essay from Tina Fey, is helping redefine feminism and what it means to be a confident woman.

Another great thing about the athletes on this list is that their influence spreads across three of the five total categories (they’re represented in pioneers, titans and icons sections of the list. ). Sports, and specifically the power of the athlete, really does transcend the categories we typically place them in. And that’s why athletes are some of the most influential public figures we (and Time) know.

Read more:

Pioneers:Ibtihaj Muhammad

Titans:Steph Curry, Katie Ledecky

Icons:Ronda Rousey, Sania Mirza, Jordan Spieth, Usain Bolt, Lewis Hamilton

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See all the looks from these athletes and more on the red carpet at last night's at Time 100 Gala here.