Portia Woodman-Wickliffe named in Times 100 Most Influential People in Sports

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe says she was left speechless when told she had been recognised by Times with a place in the magazine’s inaugural Top 100 Most Influential People in Sports list, which was unveiled this week.

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner, two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time Rugby World Cup Sevens winner, and one-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist was named in the 26-person ‘Icons’ category alongside giants of the sporting world, such as Leo Messi and LeBron James. The other three categories were Titans, Innovators and Leaders.

The now-retired New Zealand star has received nearly every plaudit and award available in rugby, and last year had a Barbie modelled after her, signalling her reach beyond the sport.

Woodman-Wickliffe says her latest milestone came as a complete surprise.

“It’s a bit like the Barbie. You just don’t expect it to happen, so when it happens, you’re like, okay, what does that mean?” she reacted, speaking with Scotty Stevenson and Israel Dagg on Sport Nation.

“I guess, ultimately, it just gives a reflection of the journey I’ve had and how grateful I am for the people that helped me along the way.

“But to be recognised along with some of the absolute GOATs of international sport – LeBron James, Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, Caitlin Clark – all these amazing athletes, I’m just buzzing.

“I looked at the list, and I was like, ‘why am I on here?'”

The two-time World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year says that, although it may be “cliché”, her excitement is about how the recognition can inspire the next generation.

“I think it really highlights that we haven’t reached the ceiling yet. There are so many more opportunities, so many more ceilings to break through. With the likes of Jorja (Miller), Braxton (Sorensen-McGee) and our young girls coming through, taking it to a whole new level.

“Hopefully it inspires the next, next generation of girls to reach for whatever it is that you want. Now, for our young, young girls, they have so many opportunities right in front of them, and it’s up to them to take them.”

Now 34, Woodman-Wickliffe has swapped her playing boots for the microphone, having made her commentary debut during the Hong Kong Sevens and is set to follow that up with contributions to the Super Rugby Aupiki coverage. She says she’s also planning to study midwifery.

On the Time list, Woodman-Wickliffe’s inclusion was accompanied by a bio that highlighted her decision to unretire from international rugby for last year’s Rugby World Cup, and the fact that she broke Doug Howlett’s record for the most Test tries scored in New Zealand’s illustrious history with her 50th five-pointer at the tournament.