Shoppers of culture and sports are noticing a quiet milestone: Time’s first-ever Sports 100 includes multiple publicly out LGBTQ athletes, highlighting visibility, influence and the changing face of elite sport , and it matters because representation shifts who kids see as possible.

Essential Takeaways

  • Historic inclusion: Time’s inaugural Sports 100 names at least six publicly out LGBTQ athletes among 100 most influential figures in sport and the business of sport.
  • Women and nonbinary representation: The honourees are primarily women and nonbinary athletes , no publicly out men were included on the list this year.
  • Standout athletes named: Selections include Hilary Knight, Portia Woodman-Wickcliffe, Marie-Philip Poulin, Nikki Hiltz, Rayssa Leal and coach Becky Hammon.
  • Visibility plus activism: Some honourees were recognised for both elite results , championships, medals and records , and off-field advocacy for LGBTQ rights.
  • Emotional resonance: The list highlights farewells, comebacks and breakthroughs, from retirement decisions to Olympic records and new public coming-outs.

A landmark list, and why it feels different

Time’s decision to publish a dedicated Sports 100 this year is a statement about how sport now sits centre stage in culture, not just entertainment. The inclusion of several out LGBTQ athletes makes the moment feel both celebratory and political, because representation in lists like this signals whose stories are being valued. You can almost hear the emotional swell: national records, championship lifts and the quiet relief of seeing your identity reflected in mainstream pages.

Backstory: media outlets and sports communities have long pushed for visibility; this list follows a growing trend of celebrating athletes not only for on-field results but for cultural influence. That means athletes who speak out on rights and identity carry weight equal to those who win medals.

Practical take: if you follow LGBTQ sport narratives, the Time list is a useful snapshot , it tells you who’s shaping sport discourse today and who to watch for both performance and advocacy.

Who made the cut , big names and big moments

The roster mixes generational icons and rising stars. Hilary Knight, fresh from Olympic gold and a note that she’ll step back from international play while continuing in the PWHL, made the list for her ongoing influence on and off the ice. Portia Woodman-Wickcliffe was included for a career comeback and record-breaking try-scoring at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile Marie-Philip Poulin turned Olympic frustration into a dominant professional playoff series and a PWHL championship performance.

These selections underline a simple truth: major athletic milestones still matter, but personal narrative , comebacks, farewells, clutch performances , now fuels broader influence. If you’re picking someone to follow for inspiration, these are proven performers who also carry weight beyond stat-lines.

Representation beyond medals , activism and identity

Nikki Hiltz’s inclusion highlights the growing recognition of athletes who combine elite performances with outspoken activism. As the first trans nonbinary national champion in the US, Hiltz has used podiums and public platforms to push back against anti-trans policies, and Time singled out both their results and their advocacy. Rayssa Leal, the young Brazilian skateboarder and recent bisexual public coming-out, brings youth and a new, more open generation into the spotlight.

Context: outlets from Outsports to regional publications reported on these stories, and you can see how the media ecosystem , specialised LGBT sports coverage and mainstream sports press , amplifies athletes’ voices today.

Practical tip: for fans wanting to support athlete-advocates, follow their platforms and trusted outlets that cover LGBTQ sport responsibly; donations to related charities and signing petitions can be tangible next steps.

Coaches, business and the broader sports ecosystem

It wasn’t just athletes. Becky Hammon, already named Outsports Coach of the Year in 2025, became the only professional-team coach on the list, recognised for building dynasties and leading the Las Vegas Aces to another WNBA title. Time’s choices suggest influence now encompasses tactical innovation, cultural leadership in locker rooms, and franchise-building.

Trend note: the inclusion of coaches and executives alongside players nudges fans to consider influence beyond on-field heroics , the people shaping policies, hiring and the culture of teams matter just as much.

Why no publicly out men this year matters

The absence of publicly out men on the Sports 100 is striking and worth pausing on. It reflects persistent barriers for men in high-profile team sports to live openly, and it shows how visibility gains for women and nonbinary athletes aren’t always mirrored across genders. That gap is a reminder that progress is uneven and that representation battles continue in certain sports cultures.

Reaction: activists and commentators may see this as a call to action rather than a criticism of the honourees. Expect conversations about support networks, pathways to coming out safely in male-dominated sports, and how media can spotlight allies and role models.

What this means for fans and young people

For young LGBTQ people who love sport, lists like Time’s can be quietly transformative. Seeing names who compete at the highest level and speak openly about identity makes the idea of a future in sport feel attainable. Practically, parents, coaches and teachers can point to these athletes when offering examples of resilience, leadership and the value of speaking up.

If you want to use this moment: share athlete profiles in classrooms, support inclusive local clubs, and encourage sports programmes to adopt clear anti-discrimination policies. Small moves at community level ripple outward.

It's a small change that can make every match and podium feel more open.

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