- Title: AWARDS-ESPY ARRIVALS ESPY awards honors top athletes, Caitlyn Jenner
- Date: 16th July 2015
- Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (JULY 15, 2015) (REUTERS) WIDE SHOT OF THE CARPET NBA STAR CLAY THOMPSON RONDA ROUSEY ON THE RED CARPET U.S. SOCCER STAR CARLI LLOYD ON THE RED CARPET DEREK JETER ON THE RED CARPET ALEX RODRIGUEZ GREETING RONDA ROUSEY FANS U.S. SOCCER STAR ABBY WAMBACK ON THE RED CARPET LITTLE LEAGUE PITCHER MO'NE DAVIS ON THE RED CARPET TRIPLE CROWN
- Embargoed: 31st July 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA65MO2T030DDPUGSIWMZWR54TA
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: NFL star J.J. Watts and Aaron Rodgers led the world's greatest athletes on the red carpet Wednesday night (July 15) as they arrived at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles for the ESPY awards.
The event commemorates the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances.
The 2015 Espys took on additional meaning after it was announced that Caitlyn Jenner, former Gold medal winner Bruce Jenner, would receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.
"I think it is the right place. I think it is the right time," said NBA star J.J. Redick. "If you look at where the country is heading and what her decision means in the context of all that I think it is the right time. The recent ruling of the Supreme Court, I'm all for that. Right now it's about empowering people to be who they are."
"I think it is great that she now wants to be a woman and is true to herself," added tennis player, Caroline Wozniacki. "It will be fun to see her tonight."
The selection of Jenner, who's now part of the transgender community, has been questioned by some though.
"I'm just going to keep my opinion to myself and be at peace," said former Heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield. "I just know him as Bruce Jenner. I will just leave it at that."
The ESPYs themselves offer an opportunity for athletes to meet and greet their peers and share experiences.
"Especially in sports it is the competitive drive, the commitment to be great," said U.S. soccer star Christine Press, on the common thread that all top athletes share. "What I learned in my competitive career is it not always going to be smooth , it is not always going to be your dream. But if you stay committed to your path and never give up. I think a lot of us got here because of that determination."
The ESPYs, in their 23rd year, are presented to the best athletes, plays, teams and moments in sports, and are attended annually not just by top athletes but Hollywood stars.
They were televised lived on the ESPN cable sports network. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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