Athletes on TIME's 100 Most Influential People (2018)

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Chloe Kim
by David Chang (Momfuku Restaurant Group)





In 2014, during the Sochi Olympics, I was watching women’s snowboarding with a friend who works in the sports world. “The best snowboarder isn’t even here,” he said, “because she’s too young.”

My friend was talking about Chloe Kim. I remember thinking, The best snowboarder in the world is 13 years old? And she’s also Korean American? Those are two things you don’t normally hear together.




Four years later, at the PyeongChang Olympics, everyone got to see that talent on display when Chloe won gold in the half-pipe competition. I felt two things simultaneously: incredibly happy for her—I made her a celebratory churro ice cream sandwich, which I think she called “bomb”—but also sad, because the whole world was about to descend on this now 17-year-old girl.

It’s hard for me to imagine the amount of pressure Chloe must have internalized. As fans, we saddled her with four years’ worth of built-up expectations. Asian-*American fans further piled on their hopes that she would shatter Asian stereotypes on her way to the podium.

And to top it all off, she was competing in her parents’ birth country, one that is notoriously judgmental of its diaspora.




And you know what? She crushed it. Blew us all out of the water. Now the best thing Chloe Kim can do is be Chloe Kim.

That’s not being selfish—that’s letting people know they don’t have to be anything that anyone says they should be.









J.J. Watt
by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner





Every few years, a professional athlete touches the heart and soul of a city in a way that has nothing to do with athleticism. Such is the case with Houston Texans star J.J. Watt, who is a star on and off the field.

Hurricane Harvey was a historic storm that dumped more than 50 inches of rain, damaged more than 300,000 homes and shattered lives. As Houston’s mayor, I led the response and resiliency efforts. But government can’t do everything for everyone. J.J. tackled Harvey’s destruction the same way he obliterates his opponents on the football field. He raised more than $37 million for hurricane recovery and delivered water, food and supplies to storm victims. In the process, he lifted the spirits of all Houstonians.

Who knows? After I leave office, J.J. Watt could be drafted as the next mayor of Houston.









Adam Rippon
by Cher





All figure skaters are beautiful, but Adam Rippon is different. He isn’t just a beautiful skater. He has humility, grace and an incredible sense of humor.

You could see in the leather-harness suit he wore to the Academy Awards that he isn’t afraid to take chances. It wasn’t about the suit, really. It was about the fact that he dares to be different in a world where being different always comes with a cost. I thought it was fabulous, of course.




Adam is a skater who happens to be gay, and that represents something wonderful to young people. When I was young, I had no role models—everyone looked like Sandra Dee and Doris Day. There was nobody who made me think, Oh, I could be like them. They represent me. Adam shows people that if you put blood, sweat and tears into what you’re doing, you can achieve something that’s special. You can be special.

And I think that’s very brave.









Kevin Durant
by Adam Cue (Apple Inc.)





Kevin Durant isn’t just an incredible basketball player; he’s an incredible human too.

From committing $10 million to the College Track program to help disadvantaged kids receive higher education to building and renovating basketball courts around the world so at-risk youth have a safe place to learn and play, KD is giving those growing up in tough situations, like he did, a path to success. His generosity knows no bounds.

As an entrepreneur, KD brings the same relentless work ethic and pursuit of excellence that he has on the court, focusing on companies and products that are making lives better. Above all, he has ridden the ups and downs of following his heart, making a hard choice and taking control of his own career—and has emerged wiser, happier, with his head held high. He’s a role model for us all.









Virat Kohli
by Sachin Tendulkar





The U-19 World Cup in 2008 was very important for India, as it would define the next bunch of youngsters who would go on to represent the nation. That was the first time I watched this young, passionate player lead India.

Today Virat Kohli is a household name and a champion in cricket. Even back then, his hunger for runs and consistency was remarkable, something that has become the hallmark of his game.




Every sportsman knows what it’s like to have good spells and bad ones too. Virat took the criticism he faced during a disappointing West Indies series and returned home with a goal: to improve not only his technique, but also his fitness level. He’s never looked back.

My father always told me that if I focused on what I was doing, over time, detractors would become followers. Virat seems to have a similar outlook when it comes to his game.




I wish him all the best for his career ahead and am confident he will continue to bring pride and glory to India through cricket.

Go Virat!

http://time.com/collection/most-infl...l-people-2018/