Naomi Osaka’s humility and dedication to others has been spectacular to watch. It’s incredibly meaningful that she has been able to talk honestly about struggling with her mental health and share with us her vulnerability. She’s been able to say to the world: Hey, listen, I’m going through something. Here’s my truth.
In doing that, she’s serving others—just as she has before. After the death of George Floyd in May 2020, Naomi participated in protests in Minneapolis; during last year’s U.S. Open—which she ultimately won—Naomi wore masks honoring seven Black Americans killed in recent years, including Trayvon Martin and Breonna Taylor. She shows you can be among the best in the world at what you do, and still fight for justice and be open about the challenges you face.
We all have the capacity to make a difference. But sometimes, someone’s sphere of influence is so great, they can change a culture, change a society, change a whole world. Naomi Osaka has the power to do that.
Wilson is an NFL player for the Seattle Seahawks
- How an Alleged Spy Balloon Derailed an Important U.S.-China Meeting
- Effective Altruism Has a Toxic Culture of Sexual Harassment and Abuse, Women Say
- Inside Bolsonaro's Surreal New Life as a Florida Man—and MAGA Darling
- 'Return to Office' Plans Spell Trouble for Working Moms
- 8 Ways to Read More Books—and Why You Should
- Why Aren't Movies Sexy Anymore?
- Column: Elon Musk Should Not Be in Charge of the Night Sky
- How Logan Paul's Crypto Empire Fell Apart
- 80 for Brady May Not Be a Masterpiece. But the World Needs More Movies Like This