Laura Flessel, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
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Two-time Olympic fencing champion among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a top source, Two-time Olympic fencing champion Laura Flessel 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 02/02/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Flessel 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 54-year-old athlete, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Flessel 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 ‘French Of The Year’ by some major French newspapers and even ‘Pointe-à-Pitre Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Pointe-à-Pitre (Laura Flessel'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:

“Laura Flessel Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 1 Feb 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveLaura”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 1 Feb 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Laura Flessel?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 1 Feb 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Laura Flessel?

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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