The announcement of ESPN to award the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage to Caitlyn Jenner, the former Olympian then known as Bruce Jenner who transitioned into a woman recently, earned the ire of the public. While people reacted differently from Jenner's decision, it appears that the fans and followers of ESPN are in agreement with the latest issues - this year's awardee does not deserve the accolade, according to New York Post.
The decision to give Jenner with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, according to ESPN's official press release, stemmed from the organization's belief that the former Olympian exhibited "a different kind of courage and acceptance of one's self." This came after Jenner publicly came out as a transgender woman despite holding on to the status "as one of the world's greatest athletes."
According to ESPN, the Ashe Award is "one of the most prestigious in sports." The awardees of this title should "reflect the spirit of Arthur Ashe, possessing strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost."
Maura Mandt explained that Jenner was chosen to receive this year's award because the athlete 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."
"In the past few months, the overwhelming outpouring of support from all over the world for my journey has been incredible," shared 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," the former Olympian added. Following the news, Jenner took to social media to share her excitement and joy. She posted on Twitter, "What the hell am I going to wear?"
What the hell am I going to wear? http://t.co/HoXNQasAXM
"” Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) June 2, 2015
While the organization provided an explanation for their decision, a number of people expressed their disbelief and disappointment over the choice. Instead of Jenner, netizens are pointing out that other people are more deserving to become recipients of the prestigious award. One person highly recommended by the community is Lauren Hill. According to USA Today, Hill courageously pushed through with achieving her lifelong dream of playing college basketball despite her struggles with an inoperable brain tumor. Shortly after her 18th birthday, she was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.
Hill knew her illness will no longer be cured but she still went on to establish an organization, called The Cure Starts Now Foundation, in an effort to bring about awareness to the disease as well as to fund studies leading to the potential cure of the condition. She died in February. "Through Lauren's fundraising and advocacy efforts, she not only became a spotlight on the lack of funding for cancer research, but she most certainly has become a beacon guiding researchers for years to come," said The Cure Starts Now co-founder, Brooke Desserich. The disappointment regarding the failure of ESPN to choose Hill over Jenner resonated in the social media posts of the fans.
@ESPYS #LaurenHillESPY should be honored with the #ArthurAsheCourageAward she was a current athlete and a hero
