Time Magazine released its annual list of the 100 Most Influential people of 2018 and among the list of politicians, scientists, actors and businesspeople, athletes have a pretty healthy representation on this list.
Arguably, the most notable athlete on this list is Houston Texans linebacker J.J. Watt. Watt has always gone above and beyond to dedicate his time to worthy causes and to help others. And when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Watt helped raise $37 million for the people in the area and volunteered to deliver supplies to those who needed that.
Kevin Durant and Roger Federer were also named on the Time 100. Both people were credited for their charity work. Durant donated millions to renovate basketball courts for at-risk youth and giving disadvantaged kids while Federer has been doing work with his foundation for disadvantaged children in South Africa.
Other athletes like Olympian Chloe Kim and cricket player Virat Kohli were recognized for breaking barriers and facing adversity as athletes.
It’s important to note that while these five athletes were recognized for doing something good, this isn’t a list of the 100 best people in the world. “Most Influential” can mean good or bad, as long as the person helps influence the world. Look over the entire list and regardless of your political leaning, no one is going to think the 100 people on this list are there for particularly noble or good reasons.
Either way, it’s great to see those five athletes recognized for the things they have done over the past year that has influenced the world, and in positive ways.
