The inaugural TIME100 Sports Gala just went down in New York City on July 16, and man, did it celebrate what sports is truly all about. This wasn't just another fancy dinner. It was TIME's first ever list, honoring the 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026, and the evening toasted the powerful influence that athletics has on society. Some absolute legends like NBA star LeBron James and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, were there, but it was the words from a few other honorees that really hit home.
Brunson Drops Truth Bombs About What Really Fuels a Champ
Five honorees delivered toasts that night, and New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, fresh off leading his squad to their first NBA championship in more than 50 years back in June, brought some serious wisdom. This guy, the Finals MVP, laid out exactly who made him who he is. He toasted to his entire family, from his mom showing him how to "lead with purpose" to his dad teaching him "work ethic," "preparation," and "discipline." He wasn't just celebrating the wins, either. Brunson shouted out his grandparents and friends, saying they're the people who "celebrate the good memories with me , the good moments , but more importantly, they’re the ones who lift me up when I’m vulnerable, challenge me to be better, and keep me grounded." He even called his wife, Ali, his "source of peace and perspective," and his daughter, for reminding him why sports matter "beyond ourselves." Brunson's message was clear: "I’m standing here because so many people believed in me long before the world did. For that, I’ll always be grateful." It was an epic toast, reminding everyone that the journey is always worth it because of the people around you.Alysa Liu's Wild Comeback Just Got Even More Unbelievable
Then there was Alysa Liu, the two-time Olympic gold medalist figure skater, whose story is straight out of a movie. She thanked her incredible team for prepping her for the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she snagged an individual gold medal. The kicker? She won that gold four years after she originally retired from the sport! Liu had actually quit in 2022, at just 16 years old, telling TIME that it was one of her best decisions because she felt "trapped and stuck." Her team of advisors and coaches were the ones who helped her come back from retirement, putting in "so much willpower and dedication" over the past two years. She said her team makes sure her "mental & physical health stay strong and steady." It's incredible. Liu said she "wouldn’t love my journey as an athlete as much as I do if it wasn’t for my incredible team." Being in a room with other athletes who push their minds and bodies to the limit for 13 years, not counting her retirement, taught her the most important lesson: "it’s so important to trust and value the process." Former U.S. soccer player Alex Morgan also got up to toast "the incredible investment in women’s sports," before her part of the speech was cut short. This night proved that behind every jaw-dropping play or gold medal, there's a whole crew of people making it happen. It's a powerful reminder for all of us about what truly fuels greatness and how important that support system is.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.