Five athletes were named among the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.
All five are inspirational in their own right.
Siya Kolisi honoured in Time 100
Our own Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi was named among the lists innovators section.
Kolisi had long ago captured the hearts of our nation but he now serves as an inspiration to millions around the globe.
He has also been heralded for uniting a nation as the leader of the Springboks across multiple platforms.
Trevor Noah wrote of Kolisi: “Siya is an incessant warrior on the field, but he’s also a doting dad, a loving husband, and a great friend. He’s given so much to a nation of 62 million people.
“I hope he’s been savoring every moment of his success.”
Patrick Mahomes keeps winning
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to put his doubters to shame.
“His insatiable desire to win is outdone only by his passion to give back and make the world around him better,” wrote Alex Rodriguez in his Time 100 tribute to Mahomes.
Mahomes won the Super Bowl for the third time with the Chiefs earlier this year and claimed his third Super Bowl MVP award as well.
Max Verstappen on top
Max Verstappen is well into his charge towards becoming a four-time F1 world champion.
In a sport with a rich history of dominant champions, Verstappen is the current man to beat.
A boogeyman to his rivals and their fans and the hero of the orange army that follows the Dutchman, Verstappen is here to stay.
Jenni Hermoso recognised by Time 100
Jenni Hermoso first made history as part of Spain’s World Cup winning squad. However, she really shot to prominence for her role in calling out misogyny in sport.
Mana Shim wrote of the Spanish heroine: “Hermoso courageously told her truth, over and over again, despite efforts to silence her.
“After Spanish players united as one in protest, Rubiales resigned and was eventually banned for three years by FIFA.”
A’ja Wilson makes a difference
A’ja Wilson is undeniably a generational talent on the basketball court with two WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces, three WNBA MVP awards, an NCAA title at the University of South Carolina, and even an Olympic gold medal to her name.
Tom Brady writes of the WNBA star: “A’ja’s determination and drive for excellence are the forces behind her team’s consistent victories.
“Her championship mentality not only secures her place in sports history but also cements her legacy of greatness that extends far beyond the realm of sports.
He also wrote: “And the best part is, she’s just getting started. She continues to push boundaries and inspire others with her remarkable journey.”
Sakshi Malik worthy of Time 100
Sakshi Malik, India’s first and only female wrestler to win an Olympic medal made headlines as the face of a movement to hold to account Brij Bhushan Singh, a powerful man holding a Member of Parliament position within the ruling party of the country and chief of the Wrestling Federation of India.
The initial protest gathered momentum as Indian women flocked to the cause and also told of their experiences of sexual abuse in different walks of life.
“This fight is no longer only for India’s female wrestlers,” said Malik of the movement she helped spark, “it is for the daughters of India whose voices have been silenced time and again.”