Four American female athletes are among the 100 most influential people in the world, according to this year’s list from Time magazine. Leading the way as one of five cover subjects, is tennis star Serena Williams, who made the annual list for a third time. Let’s be honest—when you hear the names Serena Williams and Simone Biles, you already know you’re talking about legends. But when Time Magazine drops its annual “100 Most Influential People” list and both these powerhouse women are on it, it’s more than just recognition—it’s a celebration of resilience, power, and global impact. This isn’t just a shout-out to sports; it’s a bold statement about influence, legacy, and how women, especially women of color, are changing the narrative. So, let’s break down why this moment matters and how Serena and Simone earned their spots at the very top.
A mother, entrepreneur, investor, WNBA expansion team owner and even Super Bowl halftime performer, Williams continues to demonstrate her influence in a wide variety of areas – even after her retirement from competitive tennis. “She doesn’t have to do any of this. She could take a break from being in the public eye and raise her family. Instead, she continues to pave the way,” writes gold medal-winning track star Allyson Felix in her essay for the magazine on Williams. “So many female athletes see ourselves in Serena. A win for her is a win for all of us.”
Other athletes on Time’s list. Joining Williams among the magazine’s 100 most influential people are gymnastics legend Simone Biles, basketball stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and French swimmer Léon Marchand. Biles, perhaps the greatest gymnast of all-time, has won a total of 11 Olympic medals – seven of them gold – during a career that spans the 2016 Games in Rio, 2020 Games in Tokyo and 2024 Games in Paris. Yet through all her successes, Biles has also waged a public battle with her mental health, which led her to withdraw from the team and individual all-around competition in Tokyo.
“Simone has faced – and withstood – mounting expectations, pressures, and adversity, which seem to intensify each year,” writes fellow gymnast Aly Raisman. “Through it all, she has embraced her vulnerability, while refusing to let it define or limit her.” The basketball duo of Collier and Stewart make the list – not only for their excellence on the court, but also for founding Unrivaled, the women’s professional 3-on-3 league. “Their ability to continue to shine in the WNBA – in fact, Phee and Stewie faced off in the 2024 finals – while building the next big thing blows me away,” writes U.S. women’s soccer icon Alex Morgan.
Serena Williams and Simone Biles being named among Time’s 100 Most Influential People is not just deserved—it’s essential. Their stories go beyond trophies and titles. They’re cultural architects, mental health advocates, business leaders, and global icons. And while Time may have listed them in 2025, their impact? It’ll echo for generations.
