Katarina Witt, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Berlin
  • Last updated on

Twice Olympic figure skating champion among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
Katarina Witt »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a credible source, Twice Olympic figure skating champion Katarina Witt 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 12/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Witt 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 60-year-old athlete, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Witt 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 ‘German Of The Year’ by some major German newspapers and even ‘Staaken Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Staaken (Katarina Witt'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:

“#WittPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 11 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Katarina has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 11 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Katarina Witt?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 11 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Katarina Witt?

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?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Katarina Witt: Recent News

 

page served in 0.038s (1,2)