Elaine Thompson-Herah, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-placed source, Elaine Thompson-Herah is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the athlete's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 03/05/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Thompson-Herah for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 33-year-old athlete, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Thompson-Herah so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the athlete have already been named ‘Jamaican Of The Year’ by some major Jamaican newspapers and even ‘Banana Ground Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Banana Ground (Elaine Thompson-Herah's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the athlete was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#Thompson-HerahPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 2 May 2026

“Congrats! Elaine has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 2 May 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Elaine Thompson-Herah?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 2 May 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Elaine Thompson-Herah?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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