Iga Swiatek was absolutely flattered after seeing her name on TIME’s list of the 100 most influential people of 2023. Swiatek, 21, has become the face of women’s tennis and she is also leading by example through her activism.
Last summer, Swiatek organized a charity event for Ukraine in Krakow. Swiatek, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has been using her platform to draw attention to what is happening in Ukraine. Mikaela Shiffrin, one of the greatest skiers ever, detailed in a post for TIME why Swiatek absolutely deserves to be on the list of the 100 most influential people of 2023.
“I have never thought that something like this will happen to me. Thank you @TIME for this incredible honor and recognition. And thank you @MikaelaShiffrin for your words. It means a lot,” Swiatek tweeted.
ð¯I have never thought that something like this will happen to me.
Thank you @TIME for this incredible honor and recognition. And thank you @MikaelaShiffrin for your words. It means a lot.ðð¼https://t.co/2gXozOd5mb — Iga ÅwiÄ tek (@iga_swiatek) April 13, 2023
What did Shiffrin write about Swiatek?
“When Iga Swiatek plays tennis, three things come to mind: beauty, power, and truth.
Throughout her rise to the top of tennis—and the top of sport—Iga has shown vulnerability and courage. She strives relentlessly to improve her game. She gives credit to those who have supported her, without discounting her own skills and work.
She has advocated for mental health and supported Ukrainians in their fight to protect their home. As an athlete, and more importantly as a human, she embodies the kind of confidence that everyone should emulate—the confidence of action over mere talk,” Shiffrin wrote for TIME.
Swiatek has been very vocal about the horror Ukraine is going through. This week, Swiatek explained why she as a Pole feels the need to be so outspoken about the Ukraine war. “As a Pole, from the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I had an emotional approach to this matter.
For me, it is important that we – athletes, public figures – have an impact on society. Our views shape others, and this can create change. War for me is not about politics, but about people’s suffering, and that’s why I decided to speak out,” Swiatek told Wprost.
