Time 100 list 2026: 6 athletes, including Scottie Scheffler and Alysa Liu make list

Time 100 list 2026: 6 athletes, including Scottie Scheffler and Alysa Liu make list

TIME has released its 2026 TIME100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world, featuring leaders, innovators, and changemakers across politics, business, entertainment, and sports from around the globe. This year, six athletes made the list: Scottie Scheffler, Alysa Liu, Chloe Kim, Noah Lyles, Hilary Knight, and Lando Norris.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler solidifies his place in the Titans category, emerging as one of golf's most dominant players today. Since turning pro in 2018, Scheffler has built an impressive resume with multiple major wins and a remarkable streak of consistency in his game.

American figure skater Alysa Liu joins the Icons category following a historic performance at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, where she won gold in both the women’s singles and the team event.

Here is the list of athletes who made the Time 100.

NBA Playoffs: Play-In Tournament picks, predictions, odds, who advances

Time 100 Most Influential People in sports of 2026

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler made the list in the Titans category, recognized for his impact on the game of golf. His longtime Dallas friend and frequent playing partner, Tony Romo, wrote the tribute, noting that beyond Scheffler’s relentless dedication to the game, his faith and family remain his greatest priorities.

Alysa Liu

Alysa Liu earns her place in the Icons category on the heels of one of the most remarkable comeback stories in recent Olympic history. After stepping away from competitive skating, Liu returned to the ice with renewed purpose, claiming the 2025 World Championship title before delivering a stunning performance at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, where she won gold in both the women’s singles and the team event.

Chloe Kim

Also in the Icons category is snowboarder Chloe Kim, who won silver in the halfpipe at the Milan Games after winning gold at both the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Olympics, cementing her status as one of the greatest snowboarders of all time.

Noah Lyles

Sprinter Noah Lyles was recognized in the Innovators category, celebrated not only for his speed but also for his outspoken views on mental health and self-expression. Fashion designer Willy Chavarria, who wrote the tribute for Lyles, emphasized that he is “redefining strength for a new generation” through his honesty and bold personality.

Hilary Knight

Ice hockey legend Hilary Knight was also named among the Innovators. Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai wrote a tribute to Knight, noting that her “legacy extends far beyond the record books.” Knight, who announced that the 2026 Milan Games would be her final Olympic appearance, has been a strong advocate for equal pay and greater investment in women’s sports.

Lando Norris

Lando Norris has been named the only Formula 1 driver on the list. The 26-year-old from Great Britain secured the 2025 F1 World Drivers’ Championship with McLaren, marking his first title after seven seasons of racing, during which he achieved 11 wins. Paris Hilton contributed a tribute for TIME, stating, “Even with all the pressure of the spotlight, he stays grounded, which is rare.”

Feb. 8: Chris Gotterup raises the trophy after winning the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale.

Feb. 1: Justin Rose holds the trophy after winning the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - South Course.

Jan. 25: Scottie Scheffler holds up the trophy after winning The American Express tournament at PGA West in La Quinta, California.

Jan. 18: Chris Gotterup holds the championship trophy after winning the Sony Open at the Waialae Country Club in Hawaii.

1 / 4

Golfers who have won PGA Tour events in 2026 season

Feb. 8: Chris Gotterup raises the trophy after winning the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale.

1 / 4

Golfers who have won PGA Tour events in 2026 season

Feb. 8: Chris Gotterup raises the trophy after winning the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale.

2 / 4

Golfers who have won PGA Tour events in 2026 season

Feb. 1: Justin Rose holds the trophy after winning the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - South Course.

3 / 4

Golfers who have won PGA Tour events in 2026 season

Jan. 25: Scottie Scheffler holds up the trophy after winning The American Express tournament at PGA West in La Quinta, California.

4 / 4

Golfers who have won PGA Tour events in 2026 season

Jan. 18: Chris Gotterup holds the championship trophy after winning the Sony Open at the Waialae Country Club in Hawaii.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 Time 100 boasts six incredible athletes on the list