When Robin Roberts picked up the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs Wednesday night in a ceremony in Los Angeles, she gave a speech that touched hearts. You can see the beloved Good Morning America anchor looking strong and determined in her elegant red dress in the video up top.
You can also listen to her entire acceptance speech.
Robin Roberts is a survivor of two serious public battles with cancer. Five years ago, she battled breast cancer. Now she’s fighting — and says that she’s winning — a fight with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). She underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat that disease and was able to return to work on GMA in February.
Multiple media reports have said that she stole the ESPY show with her grace and modesty as she accepted the award.
The Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards (ESPY) are given by ESPN for sports-related performances and achievements. Roberts began her career as a sportscaster in Mississippi and then stepped into the national limelight with ESPN, where she worked for 15 years until 2005.
The ESPY award was presented to her by basketball great LeBron James.
Here are a few key phrases from Robin Roberts’ ESPY speech:
“I wanted to be a pro athlete…but I needed something called ability…so I am in awe of your vast accomplishments and to be in your company tonight.”
“There are others who have exhibited far more courage, strength, and resilience, and it’s humbling for me to represent you tonight. I draw strength from you. You give me the courage to face down any challenge.”
“When fear knocks, let faith answer the door.”
“True strength isn’t when you face life’s challenges on your own. It’s when you face them down by accepting the help, faith, and love of others and knowing you are lucky to have them.”
Here’s some Twitter reaction:
RT @kirstiealley : and omg @RobinRoberts you were incredible at the ESPY awards and could you have looked more awesome?!?? Beauty Queen!!
— billberger (@billberger32) July 18, 2013
Last night Espy’s…Strength thy name is Robin Roberts.
— Rhonda Mortimer (@RhondaMortimer) July 18, 2013
As you’ll see in the video, the ESPY crowd gave Robin Roberts an emotional standing ovation.
[Robin Roberts photo by lev radin / Shutterstock.com ]
