Guardian readers nominate their person of the year
Guardian readers were asked to offer suggestions of who they would choose as their person of the year. Dozens of names were put forward – from scientists to sports personalities, from healthcare workers to climate activists.
And in a sign of the ongoing debate overgender issues, many readers also nominated the author JK Rowling, and online content creator Ranboo.
Here is a selection of people you nominated.
Healthcare and frontline workers Healthcare and frontline workers, they displayed the best of humanity – selflessness, compassion, stamina, courage while protecting as much of us as they could, by risking their lives everyday. Kushal,psychologist, India
Eugene Goodman
My choice for person of the year is Eugene Goodman, who led Capitol rioters away from the Senate chambers. He is a real hero. Lynn, retired, Colorado
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg for challenging world leaders to take immediate action for climate change. An amazing young person, calling on all people to do their part to stop climate change. We need more people in the world like her. Anonymous, US
Vanessa Nakate
Vanessa Nakate. Young and courageous climate activist representing Africa and much more. Gérard, retired university professor in earth sciences, Switzerland
Marcus Rashford
What an incredible and inspiring young man. Yes he’s a very highly paid talented footballer but the commitment and drive he has to raise awareness and work tirelessly on such a key poverty issue as access to food is incredible and so vital. He’s not forgotten his roots or how it feels to have nothing. The way he has challenged and confronted government policy has been brilliant. I Long may his campaigning continue and inspire others to do the same. I must add that I am an ardent Liverpool FC fan but this transcends football allegiances! Anonymous, north Wales
Prof Chris Whitty
Prof Chris Whitty because he has to publicly present scientific policy in the midst of a global pandemic at the heart of a toxic and polarised debate. He has kept calm and a clear head while having to advise ministers on momentous policy decisions. He has also been exposed to the public in a way that he seems not to seek and with sometimes pernicious consequences.
Top geek, top guy. Rob, 64, software developer, Hove
Rose Ayling-Ellis
Rose Ayling Ellis, for helping show that having a disability can be an absolute gift. She is authentic, true, joyful and an exquisite dancer who has helped inspire, comfort millions of disabled people, especially the deaf community who are so often marginalised. What a woman! Claire, 31, student support and guidance tutor, Brighton
Dame Sarah Gilbert
Prof Sarah Gilbert and her team at the Oxford Covid-19 Vaccine team, for their contribution to beating Covid, and for fighting for non-profit making vaccines. Sofia, 56, academic, London
Richard Ratcliffe
Richard Ratcliffe. A model of dignity and perseverance in his fight for justice for Nazanin, he has shown [his daughter] Gabriella and the whole of our society what it truly means to be a loving father and husband. His tenacity in the face of a seemingly intransigent political force is nothing short of amazing. I weep just thinking about it. Anonymous, Staffordshire
JK Rowling
JK Rowling. Superb writer and it’s her way of writing that has/still does, encourage children to read. Despite having experienced domestic abuse in her personal life, she uses her experiences and voice to centre women and children so that a wide audience is aware of the vulnerabilities children and women can face in today’s society. She donates to charities so is aware of her hard earned position and wants to give back to those in need. She is very inspiring for women and is supportive of women’s rights, despite people trying to drag her down.Michelle, 45, Wiltshire
Simone Biles
Simone Biles, for raising awareness of mental health issues in sports, and doing the right thing for herself and her health in the face of immense criticism and harassment. She still showed up and supported her teammates with grace and dignity. She’s a fantastic athlete, and an inspirational woman. Anonymous, UK
Ranboo
“Ranboo”, a young online content creator, notably on Twitch and YouTube, who’s had a large boost of success recently, and for good reason. He’s had a large focus of kid friendly content, and recently broke the most funds donated to the Trevor Project. He is currently one of the most watched personalities on Twitch, putting him in a position of fame which he has handled remarkably well: endorsing smart internet safety to younger children (undisclosed name or face, vigilant of what he says, who it may reach or how it may be misinterpreted). Provides widely accessible streams and videos with ADHD and dyslexia friendly captions, turning off Livestream screens with unforeseen flashing lights, epilepsy warnings. Anonymous, Australia Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate, for demonstrating what it means to be a leader in modern England. Beyond his management of the national side to its best performance in decades, he has been a positive role model in supporting his players and fostering a culture of respect in football. He’s not been afraid to be honest and speak his mind, but at the same time has done so in a way that isn’t aggressive or antagonising. And he’s made waistcoats fashionable again, for which I am truly thankful. Janvier, Orpington