Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people is always a cultural moment, and the 2026 edition is no different. This year, the global spotlight shines on six elite athletes whose impact transcends their sports, with five of them fresh from the Olympic stage.
Since its inception in 1999, a spot on the TIME100 has become a prestigious honor, recognizing individuals who shape our world. The selection, debated by a panel of academics, politicians, and journalists, highlights figures driving change across all fields.
In a significant move for sports, Time Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs announced the upcoming launch of the inaugural TIME100 Sports list in June. "This year has been dominated by two global sporting events, the Olympics and the World Cup," Jacobs noted, "that underline how the business of sports and those who lead it are changing culture in unprecedented ways." This new list promises to further celebrate the powerful intersection of athletics and global influence.
Leading the athletic contingent is a figure who embodies a new generation of champions: Alysa Liu. The American figure skater stunned the world not just by winning double gold at the 2026 Milan Winter Games, but by doing so after a brief retirement at just 16. Her triumphant return, which also included a 2025 World Championship title, cemented her legacy. In a tribute for Time, "Saturday Night Live" star Bowen Yang captured the awe many feel, writing, "How can someone be so casual about being the best in the world?"