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Lydia Ko has been listed as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People alongside the Russian leader, and the Real Madrid star.

The list was announced on the day of Lydia Ko’s 17th birthday, however she reacted to the news with a calm beyond her years.

“I saw the magazine at Publix one day and I said, ‘Oh, that’s me’.

“I kind of thought to myself, What did I do to be in the top 100? But I’m honored to be amongst those big name,” said Ko.

 “it was just an honor for me to be among those names”

In truth, Lydia Ko seemed more interested in attending the gala the magazine holds in celebration of the list, than the list itself.

“I would have liked to go to the gala thing they have but, yeah, it was just an honor for me to be among those names,” she said.

Although it appears she needs to investigate the whereabouts of the event first.

“I’m not really sure where it is.  Yeah, my mom would probably know,” she said, before being told the event was staged last week.

As part of Lydia Ko’s inclusion on the list, womens golfing legend Annika Sorenstam paid tribute to the young New Zealander.

“The things that Annika said about me were really nice of her.  She’s one of my role models as well, very exciting.”

Lydia Ko: golf’s most influential figure

Lyida Ko can indeed be proud to be named as one of the 100 most influential people, as she is one of only five sports stars to make the list, and the only golfer included.

However, she admitted her surprise and excitement when a mystery caller turned out to be fellow kiwi golfer, Michael Campbell.

“I just got a phone call one day. It was an unknown number and I wasn’t going to answer it.  Luckily I did. I was kind of surprised when he was like, Hi, I’m Michael Campbell. I’m like, Excuse me?”

Other sports stars joining Lydia Ko on the list.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Serena Williams, Jason Collins (basketball) and Richard Sherman (NFL)

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