Nadia Comaneci, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-placed source, first “perfect 10” in the history of gymnastics Nadia Comaneci 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 22/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Comaneci 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 64-year-old athlete, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Comaneci 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 ‘Romanian Of The Year’ by some major Romanian newspapers and even ‘Onești Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Onești (Nadia Comaneci'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:

“Nadia Comaneci Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 21 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Nadia has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 21 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Nadia Comaneci?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 21 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Nadia Comaneci?

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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