Prince Harry appears alongside Lindsey Vonn and LeBron James on Time’s list of influential sports figures.

Prince Harry has earned a place on Time Magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 most influential figures in sports, receiving recognition not for athletic achievements on the field, but for his lasting impact on the lives of wounded and injured military personnel through the creation of the Invictus Games.

The Duke of Sussex was included alongside some of the biggest names in global sports, such as Lindsey Vonn, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Caitlin Clark, Mike Tirico, and Jack Hughes. His inclusion highlights the influence he has had in using sport as a vehicle for healing, recovery, and empowerment for service members who have suffered life-changing injuries or illnesses.

Britain’s Prince Harry, center, visits a forum of the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, April 24, 2026. Evgeniy Maloletka, Associated Press

Speaking to Time Magazine, Prince Harry reflected on the significant role sport played throughout his own life. He admitted that academic studies never came naturally to him and that sports became an essential outlet during his school years. According to Harry, participation in sports helped keep him motivated and engaged during a period when classroom learning was not his strongest area.

He explained that without access to sporting activities during his education, he may not have remained in school. The experiences he gained through sport taught him important life lessons, provided structure, and gave him a sense of belonging. These early experiences ultimately shaped his belief in the transformative power of athletic competition and teamwork.

Harry’s journey toward establishing the Invictus Games began shortly after he completed his second deployment to Afghanistan. In 2013, he attended the Warrior Games in the United States, a competition organized by the U.S. Department of Defense for wounded service members and military veterans. During that event, he witnessed firsthand how sports could positively affect the lives of individuals recovering from physical and psychological injuries.

The impact of what he saw was immediate and profound. Watching participants compete, support one another, and regain confidence inspired him to think about how a similar initiative could be expanded on an international scale. Harry realized that athletes from many nations could benefit from the same opportunities and experiences that the Warrior Games provided.

Steve Arnold, who has competed in the Invictus Games, stands in the gait work lab during Britain’s Prince Harry’s visit to the Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London, in London, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. | Suzanne Plunkett via the Associated Press

Reflecting on that moment, he recalled being struck by the visible changes taking place in front of him. The determination, resilience, and renewed sense of purpose displayed by competitors convinced him that sport had the ability to restore hope and transform lives. He quickly recognized the potential for creating a global event that would bring together injured service personnel from different countries.

Motivated by that vision, Prince Harry moved swiftly to turn the idea into reality. Within a year, the inaugural Invictus Games were launched in London. The competition was designed to celebrate the courage, determination, and recovery journeys of wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans.

The event immediately attracted international attention and participation. Since its debut, the Invictus Games have grown significantly, evolving into a major international sporting competition that showcases both athletic achievement and personal resilience.

Over the years, the games have been hosted in several cities around the world. Following the successful launch in London, future editions took place in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague, Düsseldorf, Vancouver, and Whistler. Each event has provided athletes with an opportunity to compete, connect with fellow veterans, and inspire audiences through their stories of perseverance and recovery.

The continuing growth of the Invictus Games demonstrates the widespread appeal of its mission. More than simply a sporting event, the competition has become a symbol of resilience and rehabilitation. It offers participants a chance to challenge themselves physically while also rebuilding confidence, community connections, and personal identity.

The next chapter in the history of the games is already being prepared. In 2027, Birmingham, England, will host the event, welcoming approximately 550 athletes representing around 25 nations. Organizers are planning to introduce several new sporting disciplines to the competition, further expanding opportunities for participation and engagement.

Among the sports expected to debut at the Birmingham Games are esports, laser run, and pickleball. These additions reflect the organization’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that competitors with varying abilities and interests can find events that suit their strengths and passions.

For Prince Harry, the success of the Invictus Games goes far beyond medals and competition results. He believes one of the most meaningful accomplishments of the movement has been helping participants rediscover a sense of purpose after injury or illness altered the course of their lives.

He explained that many service members struggle with identity after leaving military service or following traumatic injuries. The games provide an environment where individuals can reconnect with their strengths, build confidence, and discover new goals. Through training and competition, participants often regain a sense of direction that may have been lost during difficult periods of recovery.

According to Harry, one of the greatest achievements of the Invictus community has been restoring meaning and self-belief to those who need it most. He emphasized that the games help competitors see themselves not as victims of circumstance but as capable individuals with valuable skills, determination, and potential.

Looking ahead, the Duke hopes to continue expanding the reach and impact of the event. One possibility being explored is extending the duration of the games from one week to two weeks. Such a change would create additional opportunities for competition, cultural exchange, and community building among participants and supporters.

Harry remains deeply connected to the athletes, families, and supporters who make up the Invictus community. He often describes the atmosphere surrounding the games as one of the most rewarding and inspiring aspects of the entire initiative.

The camaraderie, mutual respect, and unwavering support displayed throughout the event continue to leave a lasting impression on him. He values the opportunity to spend time with individuals who have overcome immense challenges and who inspire others through their resilience and determination.

For Harry, these interactions represent some of the most meaningful moments associated with the Invictus Games. The sense of unity and understanding that exists within the community is something he believes should serve as an example for wider society.

He has expressed a wish that communities everywhere could experience the same spirit of encouragement, compassion, and solidarity that defines the Invictus movement. The games have shown how shared experiences and collective support can help people overcome adversity and rebuild their lives.

Time Magazine’s decision to include Prince Harry among the world’s most influential figures in sports reflects the remarkable success of the Invictus Games and the positive impact the initiative has had across the globe. Through his commitment to supporting wounded, injured, and ill service members, Harry has demonstrated how sport can become a powerful tool for recovery, inclusion, and personal transformation.

More than a decade after its creation, the Invictus Games continue to inspire athletes, families, and spectators worldwide, proving that determination, courage, and community can help individuals achieve extraordinary things even in the face of significant challenges.