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I rarely buy magazines as I am a book enthusiast.
The Time Magazine’s latest edition I could however not miss. It featured Caster Semenya as one of the most influential people of 2019 in its TIME 100 edition.
This is not only in South Africa, but in the world!
In Roget’s Thesaurus influence is defined as “make one’s presence felt; assert oneself; establish a trend, inspire and persuade.”
The 100 listed people have expressed gratitude saying “they are so appreciative and humbled.”
It is like the Oscars, but with the exception that a person is nominated by his or her peers. In Caster’s case she would have been nominated by fellow athletes.
According to Edward Felsenthal, CEO and chief editor of Time Magazine, the listed people are those who shape the year, change the year and stand out during the year for their courageous impact in the world.
To be nominated alongside people like basketball player Lebron James, Speaker of the United States (US) House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Pope Francis, actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, golf player Tiger Woods, former First Lady of the US Michelle Obama and US President Donald Trump is such an honour and so amazing.
Just imagine being in one place with these people and being honoured. Unbelievable.
This edition features the most women ever since it started in 2003. The 48 listed women are on an all-time high.
Let us realise that Caster influences and makes an impact – not only on the track, but also by fighting the status quo of discrimination.
The article on her was written by two-time Olympic gold medallist, Edwin Moses.
He wrote: “Her success has brought controversy in the elite sport”.
The dispute she is involved in with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is not only for her but also for others who have been discriminated against by this international governing body for athletics.
One thing that impresses me about Caster is that she fights on the track – she keeps winning and breaking records.
You also have an opportunity to influence and make an impact wherever you are – whether in the classroom or lecture hall, at your workplace, on the sporting field or even when unemployed in the way you look for a job.
The Good Book says whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
One should do that not for personal fame but to make an impact in the neighbourhood, the country and the world.
Be a person of influence.
Let us be aware that Caster is a person of influence – despite the outcome of her case with the IAAF – Caster is one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
