Introduction to the ESPYS
The ESPYS, or Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, is an annual event that honors the best athletes and sports moments of the year. This year’s ceremony took place in Los Angeles and was hosted by comedian Shane Gillis. The event saw top athletes and sports personalities gather to celebrate their achievements and receive awards in various categories.
Top Honors at the ESPYS
NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles won as best male and female athletes at the ESPYS on Wednesday night. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA championship last month while piling up hardware as league MVP and scoring champion. Biles, an 11-time Olympic medalist, claimed the night’s first award, best championship performance for her efforts at the Paris Games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Acceptance Speech
"It’s a dream come true and for dreams to come true it takes a village," Gilgeous-Alexander said, thanking his wife, parents, brother, and others. "Those names probably don’t mean much but to me, they mean everything." Gilgeous-Alexander’s speech was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to his loved ones and teammates.
Simone Biles’ Historic Win
Biles beat out Stephen Curry, Freddie Freeman, and Rory McIlroy to win the best female athlete award. "That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men," Biles said after kissing her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens. Biles’ win was a testament to her hard work and dedication to her sport.
Other Award Winners
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage
Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson accepted the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage from point guard Russell Westbrook. Robertson was president of the NBA Players’ Association at the time of a landmark antitrust lawsuit against the NBA in 1970. The 86-year-old Robertson, a 12-time All-Star known as The Big O during his career, was the first Black president of any sports labor union.
Icon Award
Diana Taurasi and retired U.S. national women’s soccer team star Alex Morgan shared the Icon Award in recognition of their careers and major impact on sports. The women touched their trophies together in a toast. "Our mission has always been very similar," Morgan said. "We fought to leave our game in a better place than where we found it just as a generation before us did. We’re standing on the shoulders of giants."
Pat Tillman Award for Service
Former athletes David Walters and Erin Regan accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service, given to those who have served in a way that honors the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger. Walters, 37, earned a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was a seven-time world championships medalist. He’s now a Los Angeles city firefighter.
Jimmy V Award
An emotional Katie Schumacher-Cawley accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance with her husband and children joining in the standing ovation. The Penn State women’s volleyball coach was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in September. She continued coaching without missing a practice and became the first woman to guide a team to the NCAA national championship.
Gatorade Male and Female Players of the Year
Basketball player Cameron Boozer and track and field athlete Jane Hedengren were named the Gatorade Best Male and Female Players of the Year. Boozer will be playing at Duke in the fall, following in the collegiate footsteps of his father, Carlos, a former NBA All-Star.
Host Shane Gillis’ Awkward Monologue
Comedian Shane Gillis’ opening monologue as host of the show that honors the past year’s top athletes and sports moments went over awkwardly. Early on, he called out various famous faces in the Dolby Theatre crowd, including retired WNBA star Diana Taurasi. Gillis said, "Give it up for her" after calling her "Deanna." The camera showed an unsmiling Taurasi shaking her head. Gillis quickly caught his mistake, saying, "My bad on that."
Conclusion
The ESPYS is a celebration of the best in sports, and this year’s ceremony was no exception. With top athletes like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Simone Biles taking home top honors, the event was a testament to the hard work and dedication of athletes around the world.
FAQs
- Who won the best male athlete award at the ESPYS?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the best male athlete award at the ESPYS. - Who won the best female athlete award at the ESPYS?
Simone Biles won the best female athlete award at the ESPYS. - Who hosted the ESPYS this year?
Comedian Shane Gillis hosted the ESPYS this year. - What is the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage?
The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is given to individuals who have shown courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. - What is the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance?
The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance is given to individuals who have shown perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
