It is that time of year where TIME Magazine names their 100 most influential people in world for the year. The issue, which hits newsstands on Friday, features seven different covers including different people named on the list. Sports figures, movie stars and world leaders all get their moment in the annual issue. President Obama is on the list for the eighth time, while Li Na, LeBron James and Lindsey Vonn earn the honor of being named the most influential people in sports.
James is named on the "Titans" section of the list. Derek Jeter speaks on the NBA All-Star. The five-time World Series champion says that James plays every game like it Game 7 of the NBA finals. He notes that the dedication and devotion to the game of basketball is what makes James one of the most influential sports figures on the generation. Jeter says that while James now plays for Miami, he knows that his love for Cleveland still remains as deep as ever.
Vonn gets her spot on the "Icons" section as the Olympic gold medalist remains an important representation of women in sports. NASCAR star Danica Patrick profiles Vonn as someone who constantly wows sports fans. She notes the two athletes have a mutual respect for each given both of their sports involves a high amount of speed and risk. As Vonn recovers from a devastating knee injury, Patrick wishes her a speedy recovery and a healthy return to the upcoming Sochi Olympics.
Na is one of the international figures on TIME's list. Profiled by tennis legend Chis Evert, Na is described as a maverick and icon of the Chinese sports system. Evert credits Na for the tennis explosion that has occurred in China within the last few years. Na urged the Chinese Tennis Association to start giving players more independence, allowing them to keep more of their earnings. Na earns association with other tennis pioneers such as Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova, transcending the sport to a new level.
Other honorees on the list include singer Justin Timberlake, Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence and Vice President Joe Biden. There are 35 women included on the list. Managing editor Rick Stengel believes the 100 most influential list is "not about the influence of power, but the power of influence."
