Penny Oleksiak, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-placed source, swimmer with seven Olympic medals Penny Oleksiak 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 24/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Oleksiak 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 25-year-old athlete, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Oleksiak 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 ‘Canadian Of The Year’ by some major Canadian newspapers and even ‘Toronto Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Toronto (Penny Oleksiak'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:

“#OleksiakPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 23 Mar 2026

“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LovePenny”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 23 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Penny Oleksiak?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 23 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Penny Oleksiak?

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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