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Source: GMA News

-- New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin and New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow were two of the six athletes named to Time magazine's "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World," the magazine announced on its website.

In addition to Lin and Tebow, tennis star Novak Djokovic, golfer Yani Tseng, soccer icon Lionel Messi and double amputee runner Oscar Pistorius were the other sports figures in the news magazine's annual feature.

The Taiwanese-American Lin sparked "Linsanity" earlier in the year thanks to a streak of superb performances for an injury-ravaged New York Knicks. According to the profile written by United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, "Lin's story is a great lesson for kids everywhere because it debunks and defangs so many of the prejudices and stereotypes that unfairly hold children back."

In addition to being featured, the Harvard graduate also wrote the profile for Tebow, the devoutly religious quarterback whose unorthodox style of play led the Denver Broncos to a playoff victory in the NFL. Lin wrote, "He [Tebow] is unashamed of his convictions and faith, and he lives a life that consistently reflects his values, day in and day out."

Lionel Messi was cited for his prodigious goal-scoring abilities as a member of FC Barcelona, while Novak Djokovic got the nod largely on the back of a stunning 70-6 2011 season record.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Taiwanese Yani Tseng figures on the list after she became the youngest player ever to win five major championships, a feat capped with a victory at the Women's British Open last year.

Last but not least, Oscar Pistorius serves as an inspiration to many, especially paralytics, as despite a double-amputation that leaves him without legs, the man known as “Blade Runner,” referring to his prosthetics, will still be competing in the 2012 London Olympics in the 400-m and 4x400-m sprint events.