Minnesotan Named to TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People List

2021 has been quite the year for this 18-year-old Minnesotan, adding this TIME magazine honor to her list of accomplishments.

After picking up a gold, silver, and bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo last month, Minnesota's Sunisa 'Suni' Lee has been named as one on TIME magazine's 100 most influential people for 2021.

The 18-year old Saint Paul native is attending college at Auburn University in Alabama, recently attended the Met Gala, and will be competing on the upcoming season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars.

Get our free mobile app

In the feature on Lee, TIME writer Nastia Liukin says:

As the first Hmong American Olympian, Suni has an impact that extends far beyond any border or sport—it signifies representation. This milestone has and will continue to inspire the Hmong community, but it also sends a simple yet powerful message to underrepresented people everywhere: Dream big because anything is possible.

Other Notable Folks on The 2021 TIME List

Tennis player Naomi Osaka
Singer Brittany Spears
Singer/actor Dolly Parton
U.S. gymnast Simone Biles
Apple CEO Tim Cook
Singer Billie Eilish
NFL quarterback Tom Brady
Actor Kate Winslet
Actor Jason Sudeikis
Actor Scarlett Johansson
Singer Kane Brown
U.S. President Joe Biden
Former U.S. President Donald Trump
Tesla/Space X founder Elon Musk

The new season of 'Dancing with the Stars,' featuring Suni Lee, premieres this Monday, September 20th at 7:00 pm on ABC (KSTP-5).

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

LOOK: 20 Fascinating Photos From the First Modern Olympic Games in 1896

To celebrate the history of international sports cooperation, Stacker took a look back at that groundbreaking event in Athens, when the modern Olympics were born in 1896. Keep reading to learn more about the athletes, spectators, and sports at that iconic event.

Filed Under: Suni Lee