They’ve conquered the world’s toughest mountains — now America’s skiing superstars are owning the TIME100 red carpet.
Olympic champions and trailblazers Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn, and Jessie Diggins turned heads and stole the spotlight at the inaugural TIME100 Sports Gala on Wednesday night, celebrating the magazine’s first-ever list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports.
The trio, all honored on the prestigious list alongside global icons like LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Caitlin Clark, showcased the growing influence of winter sports athletes far beyond the snow. Shiffrin, the winningest skier of all time and a fresh Olympic slalom gold medalist from Milano Cortina 2026; Vonn, the comeback queen who continues to redefine limits at 41; and Diggins, the most decorated U.S. cross-country skier in history who retired on a high note earlier this year — together represented power, resilience, and inspiration.
Dressed to dazzle after years of racing suits and podium ceremonies, the women embodied elegance and athletic excellence as they mingled with A-listers at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Their presence highlighted not only individual legacies but also the rising profile of U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes on the global stage.
Record-Breakers, Barrier-Breakers, and Icons
Mikaela Shiffrin added to her already legendary résumé with another Olympic triumph in 2026, cementing her status as an all-time great while using her platform for causes like Share Winter. This marks her second TIME100 recognition, underscoring her enduring impact.
Lindsey Vonn, a pioneer in women’s alpine skiing, made a stunning return to competition post-retirement and continues to inspire with her fearlessness and advocacy.
Jessie Diggins bowed out as a trailblazer who put American cross-country skiing on the map, boasting four Olympic medals and a trail of broken barriers in a sport long dominated by Europeans.
The gala, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser with performances by the likes of Coco Jones and Luke Combs, celebrated influence across sports. For the skiing contingent, it was a rare chance to shine off the slopes alongside the biggest names in athletics.
Fans and fellow athletes took notice, with social media buzzing over the powerful trio’s glamour and camaraderie. As one observer put it, the “absolute queens of the slope” weren’t just attending — they were taking over.
In a sports world often dominated by mainstream leagues, Shiffrin, Vonn, and Diggins proved that winter warriors belong at the center of the conversation. Their red-carpet moment wasn’t just about fashion — it was about legacy, visibility, and reminding everyone that influence comes in all forms, whether carving turns at 80 mph or commanding a star-studded room.
