Swiatek named in Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people of the year

Women’s world No 1 Iga Swiatek, of Poland, has been named among the 100 most influential people of the year by Time magazine. The 21-year-old is the only tennis player and one of a handful of athletes to make the list with others including soccer stars Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, basketball player Brittney Griner, and American football quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Swiatek’s friend and alpine skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin wrote about the Pole in the magazine, lauding the three-time Grand Slam champion for showing vulnerability and courage.

“When Iga Swiatek plays tennis, three things come to mind: beauty, power, and truth. Throughout her rise to the top of tennis—and the top of sport—Iga has shown vulnerability and courage,” Shiffrin wrote. “She strives relentlessly to improve her game. She gives credit to those who have supported her, without discounting her own skills and work. She has advocated for mental health and supported Ukrainians in their fight to protect their home. As an athlete, and more importantly as a human, she embodies the kind of confidence that everyone should emulate – the confidence of action over mere talk.”

“I have never thought that something like this will happen to me” – Swiatek on being named in the list

Shiffrin also write about the impact that Swiatek has had on her nation, which does not have a particularly strong tradition in tennis.

“To rise to the top of tennis with the limited resources she had coming from Poland is remarkable. She has ignited a nation and given the next generation a reason to believe they can also achieve something incredible. She reminds us all that it’s OK to feel disappointment—and it’s also OK to feel proud of ourselves. When Iga walks out on the court, she puts her eye on the ball, and she doesn’t let it stray.”

The Pole posted a message on social media, thanking Time magazine for the honour and Shiffrin for her words.

“I have never thought that something like this will happen to me. Thank you @TIME for this incredible honor and recognition. And thank you @MikaelaShiffrin for your words. It means a lot.”

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