Caitlyn Jenner to Receive ESPYs' Arthur Ashe Courage Award

Vanity Fair

Caitlyn Jenner will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards in July, ESPN announced Monday.

The news comes on the heels of an already big morning for Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, whose cover for the July issue of Vanity Fair was also revealed, along with the launch of her first Twitter account.

“Almost 40 years ago, Bruce Jenner’s Olympic success came as a result of strengthening both his mind and body leading to his status as one of the world’s greatest athletes,” ESPN said in a statement. “But the decision to publicly come out as a transgender woman took a different kind of courage and acceptance of one’s self.”

Also Read: The Transformation of Bruce Jenner: From Olympic Gold Medalist to Reality Star (Photos)

The former Olympian will receive the award during the ESPYs on July 15 on ABC.

“In the past few months, the overwhelming outpouring of support from all over the world for my journey has been incredible,” said Jenner. “However, being honored with this award, which is named after one of my heroes, is truly special. For the first time this July, I will be able to stand as my true self in front of my peers.”

Past recipients of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award include Michael Sam, Robin Roberts and Pat Summitt.

The Transformation of Caitlyn Jenner: From Olympic Gold Medalist to Vanity Fair Trans Cover Star (Photos)

Caitlyn was born Bruce Jenner was born on October 28, 1949 in Mount Kisco, New York. She earned a football scholarship to Graceland College, but a knee injury stopped her from pursuing it. Then, she veered towards decathlon and graduated in 1973 with a degree in physical education.
Where are they now – Bruce Jenner by Fan Fuego
At the Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada, in 1976, Jenner placed first in the decathlon, setting the world record of 8,616 points and seen here crossing the finish line.
Where are they now – Bruce Jenner by Fan Fuego
In 1976, Jenner was awarded the James E. Sullivan award presented to the "outstanding amateur athlete in the United States."
Where are they now – Bruce Jenner by Fan Fuego
Jenner speaking at the 2001 Service America Awards Presentation Ceremony on June 11.
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Jenner took part in the Celebrities Race to Make Dreams Come True in August 23, 2003.
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Jenner and her two daughters, Kendall and Kyle, at the film premiere of the "Teacher's Pet" on January 12, 2004.
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Jenner and now ex-wife Kris at the HollyRods Designcure 7th Annual Benefit on July 9, 2005.
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Jenner at the 2006 ESPY Awards on July 12.
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Jenner and family at the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" premiere on Oct. 9, 2007.
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Jenner and family at the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" Season 2 Launch on March 19, 2008.
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Jenner attended the event where Lamar Odom launched Rich Soil at Kitson LA on October 21, 2009.
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Jenner and ex-wife Kris at the Endless Youth & Life Store Opening Celebration, November 11, 2010.
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Jenner with ex-wife Kris at the City of Hope Honors Shelli and Irving Azoff with the 2011 Spirit of Life Award event on May 7, 2011.
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Jenner at the 5th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic on May 7, 2012.
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Jenner at the Annual Charity Day Hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC on September 11, 2013. Here, Jenner looks younger, and is sporting a longer hair do.
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At the time, this was one of the most highly-talked about photos of Jenner, taken in January of 2014. Here, she was seen wearing a bandage around her throat, which many speculated was because she had her Adam's apple reduced.
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Jenner at the 13th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Gala on April 4, 2014.
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The former Olympian introduced herself as Caitlyn Jenner in an exclusive cover shoot for the July 2015 issue of Vanity Fair magazine.
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The athlete formerly known as Bruce underwent dramatic changes to both her public image and physical appearance leading up to the announcement of her transition

Caitlyn was born Bruce Jenner was born on October 28, 1949 in Mount Kisco, New York. She earned a football scholarship to Graceland College, but a knee injury stopped her from pursuing it. Then, she veered towards decathlon and graduated in 1973 with a degree in physical education.

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The Transformation of Caitlyn Jenner: From Olympic Gold Medalist to Vanity Fair Trans Cover Star (Photos)

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