Time Magazine released its list of the top 100 most influential people on Thursday and there was no shortage of athletes who made the cut.
Seven current athletes were named to Time’s annual list, a big leap from 2015 when only one, Abby Wambach, was deemed influential enough to earn the distinction.
Time explains that while there is no one yardstick they use to measure a person’s influence, they seek out those who “embody a breakthrough” and have the power “to make us think.”
Steph Curry
Steph Curry is not only coming off one of the best seasons in NBA history, he’s changing the way the game is played. Talk about influential. Curry’s conquests this season are endless and will undoubtedly earn him a second straight MVP award. He also helped the Warriors set an NBA record with 73 wins, surpassing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, and has Golden State positioned as a heavy favourite to repeat as NBA champs.
Ronda Rousey
Despite losing her bantamweight title to Holly Holm in 2015, Ronda Rousey remains one of if not the biggest draws in the UFC. Rousey’s fight against Holm was one of the most watched in UFC history, and you can bet her next fight will be as well. She has also used her star power in the ring to carve out a budding film career, but more importantly to put a big voice behind mental health and body-image issues.
Usain Bolt
Few athletes have the ability to capture the attention of the sports world like Usain Bolt. When he’s on the track, millions of people from across the world tune in hoping to catch a glimpse of history. The Jamaican sprinting sensation defended his crown on the track in 2015, winning gold in 100m, 200m and 100m relay at the world championships in Beijing. And of course he will be the must-see show of the 2016 Games in Rio, which will be his last.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is the most recognizable driver in Formula One due to his success on the track and his personality off it. The 31-year-old Brit won his third F1 championship in 2015 despite living in a seemingly endless cycle of controversy, whether it be for his rivalry with teammate Nico Rosberg, his post-race champagne celebrations or his social media mishaps.
Jordan Spieth
There might never be another golfer as influential as Tiger Woods, but Jordan Spieth certainly put the sports world on notice in 2015. The 22-year-old won back to back Major Championships with wins at the Masters and U.S. Open and finished the year as the No. 1 golfer in the world.
Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza is not the most recognizable name on the list, but her accomplishments are just as impressive as the rest. Mirza, along with partner Martina Hingis, are the top-ranked doubles team in the world and have been unbeatable since joining forces, winning the last three Grand Slam events. Her biggest accomplishment of all is the way she has inspired a whole generation of Indians.
Katie Ledecky
Katie Ledecky is well on her way to becoming one of the most accomplished swimmers of all time. Ledecky made her name at the 2012 Olympics when, as a 15-year-old, he shocked the world by crushing the competition to win gold in the 800m freestyle. At the world championships in 2015, the then 18-year-old picked up five gold medals and broke three world records. And the best is yet to come.