Just days after her landmark appearance on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine, Caitlyn Jenner is set to add another achievement when she is awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award by ESPN at the network's upcoming ESPN's award show on July 15, 2015 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.
"In the past few months, the overwhelming outpouring of support from all over the world for my journey has been incredible," Jenner said in a statement. "However, being honoured 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."
As per ESPN's official criteria, the honour is given to individuals who have transcended sports.
Jenner's contribution to field of sports is without question. Caitlyn, known formerly as Bruce Jenner, is an Olympic Decathlon Gold Medallist and one of the signature Olympians of the 1970's. Earlier this year in an interview with Diane Sawyer, Jenner told the world he was transitioning to become a woman and that he was to undergo gender reassignment surgery in the near future. Jenner's decision to come out makes her the highest profile transgender athlete in the world.
In an official ESPN press release, ESPY's Executive producer Maura Mandt had this to say about Jenner's accomplishments: "Bruce has received many accolades over the years for being one of the greatest Olympians of our time but The ESPYS are honoured to celebrate Bruce becoming Caitlyn. She has shown the courage to embrace a truth that had been hidden for years, and to embark on a journey that may not only give comfort to those facing similar circumstances, but can also help to educate people on the challenges that the transgender community faces."
