LOS ANGELES – Led by host Serena Williams, the ESPYs celebrated a historic time for women’s sports, honoring Simone Biles, A’ja Wilson, Kaitlynn Clark, Dawn Staley and JuJu Watkins on Thursday night.
Staley, the schoolmaster of the national champion South Carolina women’s basketball team, won the Jimmy V Award for perseverance for her support and fight for equality in women’s sports and for her leadership in the fight against cancer. Her good friend, Tennessee standout Nikki McCray-Penson, died of breast cancer and Staley’s sister was diagnosed with leukemia. Staley was determined to become an advocate for cancer research through her battle.
Staley said, “I must admit I feel a little undeserving of this recognition. Previous recipients of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award have faced incredible challenges and proven themselves to be true warriors.” “I have only been a witness to such immense courage and resilience.”
Staley’s Gamecocks also received the Best Group Award.
Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces received awards for Best Female Sports Athlete and Best WNBA Player.
“It’s crazy to think that a young girl who didn’t even want to play basketball is now even in the running for an ESPY,” he said in videotaped remarks.
Biles earned the best possible comeback as an athlete just weeks before competing in the Paris Olympics. The most decorated gymnast in history withdrew from the Tokyo Games community celebration to prioritize her mental health.
The Indiana Fever’s Clark also earned two trophies for his record-breaking performance in becoming the NCAA’s all-time career scoring leader and as the best school athlete for his Iowa basketball career.
“I’ve been a little busy in Indianapolis,” Clark said via videotape. “It was a special year in women’s athletics.”
Watkins received the award for athlete making the best possible step forward, winning the primary award, after President Joe Biden’s nationally televised news conference started late and ran a half-hour into show time.
USC basketball’s big name had a phenomenal freshman season, catapulting the Trojans into the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in several years.
“It’s crazy,” Watkins said. “I want to thank all the great, powerful women who came before me who made this possible.”
Williams joked throughout his monologue at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, and then Ciara opened the performance with a musical performance. Williams’ half-sister, Venus, came out and joked that she was actually asked to host and led to a mock argument between the siblings.
“You might be wondering why I’m doing this,” said Serena, the famously evil type. “Any opportunity to wear 16 outfits in three hours, I’m going to take it.”
The ABC broadcast returned from a commercial break in the final minutes and began a repeat of the two previous awards shows. Williams’ departure was reduced to one time, as were the general credits. ABC did not immediately provide any explanation as to the cause of the problems. The performance aired live in the East and Middle East regions and tape-delayed on the West Coast.
Prince Harry won the Pat Tillman Award for Provider, and he discussed the passing of the mother of the military ranger who criticized ESPN for the royal honor.
Joined by wife Meghan in the prestigious ovation, the Duke of Sussex presented trophies to three service veterans who were injured during tours of duty. Harry served in the British Army for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot.
He created the Invictus video game in 2014, which serves as a multisport, Paralympic-style video game for wounded or injured soldiers and veterans.
“This award is theirs, not mine,” Harry said.
Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, criticized ESPN’s selection of Harry, saying the veterans were working with receivers who may be more qualified. Harry thanked Tillman’s widow, Mary, for his presence and also Mary Tillman.
“His advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and I respect that,” he said. “The bond between mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest loss.”
Retired NFL safety Steve Gleason was awarded the Arthur Ashe Award for bravery. He was diagnosed with ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often known as Lou Gehrig’s Disorder, in 2011. His nonprofit, Workforce Gleason, is helping the community with ALS lead functional lives through programming and offering support services and products.
When Gleason received his degree while seated in a motorized chair, he received a standing ovation and was once kissed by former New Orleans Saints teammate Drew Brees. Gleason’s expression was once heard through a particular generation. Then his younger son, Rivers, stood beside his father and held up the trophy.
He said, “For me, this honor represents some encouragement and victory for the families of those currently living with ALS, and for all those living with disability or other illnesses.” “I think if you’ve never experienced fear, isolation or pain, you might as well get your holy ass kicked out right here.”
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers was once the best MLB player; Stanley Cup runner-up Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers was once the best NHL player; And Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks was once the best NBA player.
The most accomplished male sports athlete was Kansas Town Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He also claimed best potential NFL player.
Cooper Flagg, a senior guard-forward from Montverde (Florida) Academy and Sadie Engelhart, a track and grassland athlete from Ventura (Calif.) Top, won the Gatorade National Gamers of the Life Award.
Related press contributed to this document.
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