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Caitlyn Jenner Considered One Of The ‘Most Influential’ People In The World

Kaitlan Collins Contributor
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Caitlyn Jenner is one of the most influential people in the world, according to Time magazine.

Caitlyn Jenner transgender

(Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for GLAAD)

On Thursday, it was announced that the 66-year-old former Olympian made the list of “The 100 Most Influential People” because he is considered a “pioneer.” (RELATED: Caitlyn Jenner Believes Ted Cruz Could Fix The Country)

Wayne Maines, an Air Force veteran who is the father of a transgender child, said Jenner was a hero.

“I was a senior in high school when Caitlyn won her gold medal at the 1976 Olympics,” Maines said. “Her victory in the decathlon provided a positive role model for our nation—and created a hero for me. Having the courage to come out at this stage of her life makes her an even bigger hero.” (RELATED: Caitlyn Jenner: ‘Hillary Clinton Couldn’t Care Less About Women’)

“My daughter Nicole is also my hero. As a child, she came out innocently. She didn’t know that people would fear her. Caitlyn did know the consequences of coming out. Because no matter where you come from, how famous you might be or how much money you have, letting America see you in such a vulnerable way is daring and admirable—not self-serving.”

Caitlyn Jenner

(Photo: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for AOL)

Maines added that he had “the greatest respect for her courage and commitment to truth.”

“The courage that she displays is helping challenge society to change. I am so pleased that she has fulfilled her dreams and that she is now helping our children do the same.” (RELATED: Caitlyn Jenner: I Want To Make Transgender ‘Normal’)