On Nov. 15, the world welcomed its symbolic 8 billionth inhabitant, a baby named Damian Ferrera, who was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo: Ricardo Hernandez/VCG

China’s young divers, 17-year-old Chen Yuxi and 15-year-old Quan Hongchan shined on the 10 meters platform this year, securing medals at top international tournaments. Photo: Christophe Gateau/VCG

18-year-old freestyle skier Eileen Gu captured the world’s attention with her stunning performances in the Winter Olympics. Outside of sports, Gu’s fashion outfits on the red carpet also put her in the spotlight. She ranked third on the World’s Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2022 by Forbes. Photo: VCG

Japanese figure-skating icon Yuzuru Hanyu announced his retirement from competition on July 19 at the age of 27. His solo ice show titled “Gift” will premiere in Tokyo, Japan, in February next year. Photo: Annice Lyn/VCG

30-year-old Chun Wai Chan became a principal dancer of the New York City Ballet in May, making him the first person from China to be raised to the position in the company’s 74-year history. Photo: Courtesy of Chun Wai Chan

At the age of 32, Zhang Weili of China reclaimed the strawweight title at UFC 281 in New York on Nov. 12. Photo: Chris Unger/VCG

At 35, Lionel Messi led Argentina to its third World Cup at the 2022 tournament in Qatar on Dec. 18. Photo: David Ramos/VCG

At 42, Rishi Sunak became the youngest U.K. prime minister in over two centuries. He is also the country’s first Hindu prime minister. Photo: VCG

47-year-old Liz Truss walks away from the podium after delivering her final speech outside 10 Downing Street in central London on Oct. 25. She went down in Britain’s history as the shortest-serving prime minister after only staying 45 days in office. Photo: Justin Tallis/VCG

44-year-old Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was propelled to international prominence for leading his country’s defense against Russian forces. He was named Time’s “2022 Person of the Year” on Dec. 7. Photo: VCG

The Shenzhou-15 crew members Zhang Lu (left), Fei Junlong and Deng Qingming reached China’s Tiangong space station on Nov. 29. With an average age of 53, the three make up China’s oldest spaceship crew thus far. Photo: Courtesy of China Manned Space Agency

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe died at the age of 67 after being shot during a speech on July 8 in Nara, Japan. Photo: Asahi Shimbun/VCG

On Sept. 8, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 in Balmoral Castle, Scotland. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/VCG