Beautiful in black and gold! Kendall Jenner goes for sexy floor length gown with sheer panels while sister Kylie nails high octane glamour in glittering sequin dress supporting father Caitlyn on ESPY red carpet

They were there in support of their father Caitlyn Jenner who was being honoured with an award at the 2015 ESPY's.

And on Wednesday Kendall and Kylie Jenner went for high octane glamour putting their best fashion foot forward in honour of their Dad.

The two youngest sisters in the reality show clan were stunning in black and gold as they hit the red carpet.

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Showing support: Kendall and Kylie Jenner hit the ESPY red carpet on Wednesday appearing at the event where their father Caitlyn Jenner was being honoured

Showing support: Kendall and Kylie Jenner hit the ESPY red carpet on Wednesday appearing at the event where their father Caitlyn Jenner was being honoured

Kendall, 19, went for a showstopping black gown by designer Alexander Vauthier with sheer see-through panels, a plunging brassiere style neckline with her decolletage covered in a fine chiffon.

Meanwhile sister Kylie, 17, went for the colour of winners in a heavy gold glittering gown covered in thousands and thousands sequins.

Both sisters wore their brunette locks down for the event.

High octane: The sisters stunned on the red carpet in the floor length gowns 
Siblings on parade: The pair seemed at ease and very proud to be at the event

High octane: The sisters stunned on the red carpet in the floor length gowns and appeared to be in high spirits 

Show off your curves in a mesh dress like Kendall

What a way to shut down the red carpet. The Jenner sisters arrived at the Espy awards looking nothing short of flawless.

Kendall wore a LBD (in this case, it means: long black dress)with mesh detailing. The dress emphasized her slim figure and we loved the that she kept it simple and paired it with Stuart Weitzman 'Nudist' Sandals.

Her dress is by Alexander Vauthier from the Haute Couture SS 2015 collection. Sadly, it's not available, but you can shop similar sexy mesh print dresses below on our style carousel.

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They went for lashings of lashes and nude coloured lips with sparkling eyeshadow for their make-up look. 

Kendall wore strappy black high heels with her stunning gown while her sister went for white.

Kylie had her long nails painted the colour of snow and the high neck on her dress accentuated her facial features.  

See-through: Kendall went for a sexy number which featured sheer panels
Sheer beauty: The frock featured a plunging brassiere style neckline with her decolletage cover in a fine chiffon.

See-through: Kendall went for a sexy number which featured sheer panels and showed off her model figure 

She had a matching pedicure for the event. 

Kim, Khloe and Kourtney did not walk the red carpet with the pair but were expected to attend.

But their half brother Brody did make an appearance before the event started - he wore a black suit with matching T-shirt which he teamed with trainers, with his girlfriend Kaitlynn Carter on his arm. 

However all of the siblings on both the Jenner and Kardashian sides of the family, were thought to be cheering their father on in the audience.  

Stunning in sequins: Movie star glamour was the order of the evening for Kylie who dazzled in a full-length gold sequinned dress
Stunning in sequins: Movie star glamour was the order of the evening for Kylie who dazzled in a full-length gold sequinned dress

Stunning in sequins: Movie star glamour was the order of the evening for Kylie who dazzled in a full-length gold sequinned dress 

Girls' night out; The duo made quite the double act as they showed up on the red carpet to support their father 

Girls' night out; The duo made quite the double act as they showed up on the red carpet to support their father 

Queen of the cover up: Kendall's long sleeved high necked dress looked beautiful and flattered her curves
Queen of the cover up: Kendall's long sleeved high necked dress looked beautiful and flattered her curves

Queen of the cover up: Kendall's long sleeved high necked dress looked beautiful and flattered her curves 

Lady on his arm: Doing it for Dad: Their half brother Brody did make an appearance before the event started - he wore a black suit with matching T-shirt which he teamed with trainers and walked the red carpet with partner Kaitlynn Carter

Lady on his arm: Doing it for Dad: Their half brother Brody did make an appearance before the event started - he wore a black suit with matching T-shirt which he teamed with trainers and walked the red carpet with partner Kaitlynn Carter

The siblings nearly had the show stolen on the red carpet by singer Ciara and her beau Russell Wilson.

The NFL player wore a mauve coloured suit to the event with patent shoes, while his lady stunned in Grecian inspired frock which showed off her tiny waist.

The dress featured a thigh high split, and she wore a belt which was of a similar hue to her partners outfit. 

Magnificent in mauve: Ciara wore a stunning floor length gown to the ESPYs on Wednesday and walked the red carpet with her beau Russell Wilson

Magnificent in mauve: Ciara wore a stunning floor length gown to the ESPYs on Wednesday and walked the red carpet with her beau Russell Wilson

Grecian inspired: The dress was dip dyed with an indigo to plum colour at the bottom 

Grecian inspired: The dress was dip dyed with an indigo to plum colour at the bottom 

Ciara wore her hair pulled back in a low lose ponytail with tendrils falling around her face.

The pair joked they dressed with same without even knowing.

Russell said the singer had flown from Cincinnati with just hours to spare to get to the event.  

Ciara's dress, by designer Elie Saab,  was dip dyed with an indigo to plum colour at the bottom and she teamed it with a pair of high strappy heels. 

The expected star of the show was of course Caitlyn Jenner who was making her first public appearance after coming out as a transgender woman. 

A host of celebrities on the carpet at the event which honours athletes sporting achievements. 

Yee ha! Britney Spears wore what appeared to be a cowgirl inspired number, which featured fringing detail and sequin panels
Yee ha! Britney Spears wore what appeared to be a cowgirl inspired number, which featured fringing detail and sequin panels

Yee ha! Britney Spears wore what appeared to be a cowgirl inspired number, which featured fringing detail and sequin panels

Britney Spears wore what appeared to be a cowgirl inspired number, which featured fringing detail and sequin panels. 

She wore hair extensions in her blonde locks and the ultra short dress featured a very plunging neckline. 

Her thighs were on display and she wore a pair of strappy heels for the event. 

Beauty: The sheer panels accentuated her flawless figure and the actress wore her hair in a tousled wavy style
Witch dress shall I wear: Halle Berry chose what could have been a sorceress inspired frock which featured bell cuffs in leather and lace panels

Witch dress shall I wear: Halle Berry chose what could have been a sorceress inspired frock which featured bell cuffs in leather and lace panels

The singer went for smoldering eye make-up and  nude lips.

Halle Berry chose what could have been a sorceress inspired frock which featured bell cuffs in leather and lace panels.

The short dress also had a flirty skirt bottom which finished mid thigh showcasing her lean limbs.

Doing demure, just: Mel B went for a more longer look than is usual for her, with her dress finishing below the knee

Doing demure, just: Mel B went for a more longer look than is usual for her, with her dress finishing below the knee

 Hot look: She had her hair slicked back off of her face and accessorised with her husband Stephen Belafonte at the event

 Hot look: She had her hair slicked back off of her face and accessorised with her husband Stephen Belafonte at the event

The sheer panels accentuated her flawless figure and the actress wore her hair in a tousled wavy style 

Mel B went for a more demure look than is usual for her, with her dress finishing below the knee. 

But she sexed her dress up with a cheeky split. 

The reality show judge and Spice Girl showed off her decolletage with a plunging neckline, and wore a pair of crimson pointed toe heels which were the same hue as her frock, 

Just good friends: Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams  took to the red carpet together

Just good friends: Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams took to the red carpet together

How low can you go: The blonde actress went for a sexy red suit, which she wore with nothing underneath the jacket, and a pair of patent high heels

How low can you go: The blonde actress went for a sexy red suit, which she wore with nothing underneath the jacket, and a pair of patent high heels

Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams who were the subject of dating rumours recently, which they denied, took to the red carpet together.

The pair were seen going to a boxing match together in June, and been seen out together multiple times, but they said they were just friends.

The blonde went for a sexy red suit, which she wore with nothing underneath the jacket, and a pair of patent high heels 

Doing an Ang! Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn copied the Hollywood star's Oscar pose flashing her thigh in her crimson frock

She had her hair slicked back off of her face and accessorised with her husband Stephen Belafonte at the event 

Mix martial artist Ronda Rousey was wearing a frock to show off her lean limbs and fighter figure.

The actress, who recently starred in the Entourage movie, went for a monochrome dress which featured a keyhole back design and sheer mesh sleeves.

Sparkling: Hannah Davis looked pretty as a picture on the arm of beau of three years Derek Jeter

Sparkling: Hannah Davis looked pretty as a picture on the arm of beau of three years Derek Jeter

Diamond delight: Her short fitted frock glittered in the sunshine and was reminiscent of snow and ice
Diamond delight: Her short fitted frock glittered in the sunshine and was reminiscent of snow and ice

Diamond delight: Her short fitted frock glittered in the sunshine and was reminiscent of snow and ice

Tying her look together: The Sports Illustrated model accessorised with a clutch which featured a large bow

Tying her look together: The Sports Illustrated model accessorised with a clutch which featured a large bow

Professional wrestlers The Miz and Maryse Ouellet hit the red carpet with Maryse wearing a skirt and crop top ensemble.

Artistic gymnast Shawn Johnson wore a white top and skirt and posed with her beau NFK player Andrew East. 

Hannah Davis looked pretty as a picture on the arm of beau of three years Derek Jeter, 

Her short fitted frock glittered in the sunshine and was reminiscent of snow and ice and she wore a pair of sparkling high heels. 

B-score on the red carpet: Artistic gymnast Shawn Johnson wore a white top and skirt ensemble

B-score on the red carpet: Artistic gymnast Shawn Johnson wore a white top and skirt ensemble

With her beau: The gold medalist was on the arm of NFL player Andrew East

With her beau: The gold medalist was on the arm of NFL player Andrew East

The Sports Illustrated model accessorised with a clutch which featured a large bow.

Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn copied the Hollywood star Angelina Jolie's Oscar ceremony pose flashing her thigh in her crimson frock 

Snowboarder Amy Purdy - rocking a Kotur clutch - looked stunning in a thigh skimming sparkling dress and wore a pair of gold wedge sandals on her prosthetic limbs.

Her hair was piled up in a messy updo and her make up was kept simple and glamorous.

Also joining her were softball player Jenny Finch, who wore an asymmetrical one shoulder gown, while model and TV presenter Rocsi Diaz when for OTT glam in a floor length teal gown with sheer plunging panel. 

Sportscaster and Fox1 and NBC host Charissa Thompson went for an over the knee white frock with cut outs and gold strappy sandals.

ESPN anchor Hannah Storm wore an above the knee simple white gown with a rectagonal neckline. 

Actress Liz Henandez went for emerald satin with a deep neckline and thigh high split and TV host Stephanie Bauer wore a sexy senoriat styles flower patterned skirt and revealing crop top

American teenage transgender teen Jazz Jennings wore a short sliver and white skirt and went for a more simple look.

For US Womens Soccer players Alex Morgan and Christen Press thigh splits were the order of the day 

Proud: Amy Purdy - rocking a Kotur clutch - wore a stunning sequin shimmering gown, which skimmed her thighs and showed off her prosthetic limbs
Proud: Amy Purdy - rocking a Kotur clutch - wore a stunning sequin shimmering gown, which skimmed her thighs and showed off her prosthetic limbs
Proud: Amy Purdy - rocking a Kotur clutch - wore a stunning sequin shimmering gown, which skimmed her thighs and showed off her prosthetic limbs

Proud: Amy Purdy - rocking a Kotur clutch - wore a stunning sequin shimmering gown, which skimmed her thighs and showed off her prosthetic limbs

Former WNBA player Lisa Leslie had a feminine look in a long line yellow strapless dress with a gold choker collar. 

Goalkeeper Hope Solo swapped her footie gear for high fashion wearing a long pewter blue shimmering dress. 

Reality star Kim who was at the event, recently told MailOnline that her relationship with Caitlyn has changed since her gender transition.

'It's a different one. We're definitely closer and I understand her a bit better, and her struggle.

'I respect all of her decisions, and I think it's great that she can be so honest and brave and be who she wants to be.' 

Squaring off: ESPN anchor Hannah Storm wore an above the knee simple white gown with a rectangular neckline while tennis player Sloane Stephens went for an ultra short sparkling dress with black strappy sandals
Squaring off: ESPN anchor Hannah Storm wore an above the knee simple white gown with a rectangular neckline while tennis player Sloane Stephens went for an ultra short sparkling dress with black strappy sandals

Squaring off: ESPN anchor Hannah Storm wore an above the knee simple white gown with a rectangular neckline while tennis player Sloane Stephens went for an ultra short sparkling dress with black strappy sandals

Throwing down the fashion gauntlet: Professional wrestlers The Miz (L) and Maryse Ouellet (R) hit the red carpet with Maryse wearing a skirt and crop top ensemble

Throwing down the fashion gauntlet: Professional wrestlers The Miz (L) and Maryse Ouellet (R) hit the red carpet with Maryse wearing a skirt and crop top ensemble

Legging it: For US Womens Soccer players Alex Morgan and Christen Press thigh splits were the order of the day
Legging it: For US Womens Soccer players Alex Morgan and Christen Press thigh splits were the order of the day

Legging it: For US Womens Soccer players Alex Morgan and Christen Press thigh splits were the order of the day

The former Olympian - who was known as Bruce Jenner before her transition - came out to the world during an interview with Diane Sawyer in April and later unveiled her new identity with a Vanity Fair cover in June. 

When Caitlyn was first unveiled in June on the cover of Vanity Fair Kendall led the outpouring of love, simply telling her dad 'be free now pretty bird.'

And on Father's Day, she wrote a heartfelt message: 'My whole life this soul was my daddy and just because your appearance is different now doesn't mean you were any less of a father to me my entire life.

'Happy Father's Day to the person who raised me, and taught me everything I know, my hero.'

 But prior to her public gender transition, Caitlyn visited a therapist on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians to talk about her relationship with youngest child Kylie. 

Different styles: Softball player Jenny Finch wore an asymmetrical one shoulder gown while model and TV presenter Rocsi Diaz when for OTT glam in a floor length teal gown with sheer plunging panel
Different styles: Softball player Jenny Finch wore an asymmetrical one shoulder gown while model and TV presenter Rocsi Diaz when for OTT glam in a floor length teal gown with sheer plunging panel

Different styles: Softball player Jenny Finch wore an asymmetrical one shoulder gown while model and TV presenter Rocsi Diaz when for OTT glam in a floor length teal gown with sheer plunging panel

All white on the night: Sportscaster and Fox1 and Extra host Charissa Thompson went for an over the knee white frock with cut outs and gold strappy sandals
Delighted to be there: American teenage transgender teen Jazz Jennings wore a short sliver and white skirt and went for a more simple look

All white on the night: Sportscaster and Fox1 and Extra host Charissa Thompson went for an over the knee white frock with cut outs and gold strappy sandals

Still living as Bruce at the time, Jenner met with therapist and motivational speaker Leigh Weintraub in Los Angeles.

'She's kind of shut me out lately,' Bruce explained, voicing concern for youngest daughter, 17-year-old Kylie.

'I don't want her to go away, emotionally go away,' Jenner added. 

All on show: Actress Liz Henandez went for emerald satin with a deep neckline and thigh high split and TV host Stephanie Bauer wore a sexy senorita styles flower patterned skirt and revealing crop top

For her part, the teenage reality star did not seem interested in the rest of her family's attempts to bridge the gap between father and daughter.

'My sisters always try and make me talk about everything but I don't want to right now,' Kylie said.

'People deal with things in different ways,' she added. 

Jumoing for joy: Fitness personality Denise Austin went for a bandage dress in blue, black and white

Lovely in lemon: Former WNBA player Lisa Leslie had a feminine look in a long line yellow strapless dress with a gold choker colllar
Tuxedo princess: Diane Sawyer went for a white suite and shirt ensemble

Lovely in lemon: Former WNBA player Lisa Leslie had a feminine look in a long line yellow strapless dress with a gold choker collar while Diane Sawyer went for a white suite and shirt ensemble

'I feel like I go through these times where I hate my life,' she revealed at the time.

However, Jenner - when she was still known as Bruce - revealed in April that Khloe took news of her gender transition the hardest.

But since Caitlyn's interview with Diane Sawyer in April, Khloe has been nothing but overwhelmingly supportive of her parent. 

When Caitlyn's Vanity Fair cover was unveiled in June, Khloe shared the image with the note: 'We were given this life because you were strong enough to live it! I couldn't be prouder!!! Caitlyn, You are beautiful!!!'

|Scoring it: Goalkeeper Hope Solo swapped her footie gear for high fashion wearing a long pewter blue shimmering dress

Meanwhile, Kim told Access Hollywood Live that her younger brother Rob was bewildered when she sent a mass text of Caitlyn Jenner on the magazine's cover.

Rob didn't recognize a trace of the father figure who raised him and responded: 'Kim, why are you sending me this? Who is this woman and why do I care?'

'And I was like, Rob, that's Bruce - that's Caitlyn. And he was like, "Oh my god, she's beautiful''', Kim added.

 Kim said that Rob called Caitlyn and the pair 'had a love fest' over the phone.

The former Olympian joins recent recipients like Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, and sportscaster Robin Roberts, who survived breast cancer and the blood disease myelodysplastic syndrome. 

Sherbet hues: Actress and performance artist Candis Cayne chose a floor length sequin gown 
Magnificent in monochrome: With mesh sheer sleeves, and a plunging neckline Ronda Rousey was fighting fit at the ceremony

Sherbet hues: Actress and performance artist Candis Cayne chose a floor length sequin gown while with mesh sheer sleeves, and a plunging neckline Ronda Rousey was fighting fit at the ceremony

In its statement announcing Jenner's award, an ESPN boss said he hoped honouring Jenner would 'give comfort' to other transgender people struggling with their identity.'

Executive producer Maura Mandt said upon announcing the honour: 'Bruce [Jenner] has received many accolades over the years for being one of the greatest Olympians of our time, but The ESPYS are honored 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.' 

Baby got back: the actress, who recently starred in Entourage, showed off her muscles with the keyhole feature to the dress

Jenner herself was also quoted in the statement. She said: 'In the past few months, the overwhelming outpouring of support from all over the world for my journey has been incredible'.

'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.' 

ESPN has given its Arthur Ashe Courage Award, named after a tennis player who died of AIDS-related pneumonia, to figures ranging from professional sportsmen to relative unknowns - and even a world leader. 

Meanwhile, Caitlyn tearfully thanked her family while accepting the Arthur Ashe Courage Award on Wednesday at the ESPYs in Los Angeles.

The 65-year-old honoree received a standing ovation as she made her first major public appearance at the awards show since announcing her transitioning to a woman during an April tell-all interview with Diane Sawyer.

Caitlyn got tearful toward the end of her acceptance speech as she thanked her family, including mother, sister and nine adult children in the audience. 

Courage award: Caitlyn Jenner tearfully thanked her family on Wednesday night while accepting the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs in Los Angeles

Courage award: Caitlyn Jenner tearfully thanked her family on Wednesday night while accepting the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs in Los Angeles

Caitlyn Jenner acceptance speech for Arthur Ashe Courage Award at 2015 ESPYs 

'Thank you so much it I so wonderful to be here tonight. The last few months have been a whirlwind of so many different experiences and emotions. To tell you the truth, it seems every time I turn around in life, I'm putting myself in these high-pressured situations. Competing in the Games, raising a family. But I've never felt more pressured than I ever have in my life, than the last couple of months. Picking out this outfit — OK, girls, I get it! You've got to get the shoes, the hair the makeup, the whole process. It was exhausting. And next, the fashion police — please be kind on me, I'm new at this.

'Anyway, I just want to say a quick shout out to our soccer team. Ladies, you clean up very well.

'But the real truth is, before a few months ago I had never met anybody else who was trans, who was like me. I had never met a trans person, never. Now, as you saw, I dealt with my situation on my own in private and that turned this journey into an already incredible education.

'It's been eye-opening, inspiring, but also frightening. All across this country, right now, all across the world, at this very moment, there are young people coming to terms with being transgender. They're learning that they are different and they are trying to figure out how to handle that, on top of every other problem that a teenager has.

'They're getting bullied, they're getting beaten up, they're getting murdered and they're committing suicide. The numbers that you just heard before are staggering, but they are the reality of what it is like to be trans today.

'Just last month, the body of 17-year-old Mercedes Williamson, a transgender young woman of color, was found in a field in Mississippi stabbed to death. I also want to tell you about Sam Taub, a 15-year-old transgender young man from Bloomfield, Michigan. In early April, Sam took his own life. Now, Sam's story haunts me in particular because his death was a few days before my interview with Diane Sawyer. Every time something like this happens, people wonder, ''Could it have been different, if spotlighting this issue with more attention could have changed the way things happen?'' We'll never know.

'If there is one thing I do know about my life, it is the power of the spotlight. Sometimes it gets overwhelming, but with attention comes responsibility. As a group, as athletes, how you conduct your lives, what you say, what you do, is absorbed and observed by millions of people, especially young people. I know I'm clear with my responsibility going forward, to tell my story the right way — for me, to keep learning, to reshape the landscape of how trans issues are viewed, how trans people are treated. And then more prominently to promote a very simple idea: accepting people for who they are. Accepting people's differences.

'My plea to you tonight is to join me in making these issues your issues as well. How do we start? We start with education. I was fortunate to meet Arthur Ashe a few times and I know how important education was to him. Learn as much as you can about another person to understand them better.

'I know the people in this room have respect for hard work, for training, for going through something difficult to achieve the outcome that you desire. I trained hard, I competed hard, and for that, people respected me.

'But this transition has been harder on me than anything I could imagine. And that's the case for so many others besides me. For that reason alone, trans people deserve something vital. They deserve your respect. And from that respect comes a more compassionate community, a more empathetic society, and a better world for all of us.

'There have been so many people that have traveled this road before me. From, in sports, Renée Richards to Chaz Bono, to Laverne Cox, and many others. Janet Mock is here tonight. And I want to thank them all publicly, and the ESPYs, and the late Arthur Ashe, for giving me this platform to start the next phase of my journey. I also want to acknowledge all the young trans athletes who are out there — given the chance to play sports as who they really are.

'And now, as of this week, it appears trans people will soon be serving in the military. That's a great idea. We have come along way. But we have a lot of work to do.

'I'd like to thank personally, my buddy Diane Sawyer. You know, you can only tell your story the first time once and Diane you did it so authentically and so gracefully. And me and the community are so thankful for that. Thank you so much Diane, I'm so proud to have you as a friend.

'Here comes the tough part. I'd like to thank my family. The biggest fear in Caitlyn Jenner coming out was I never wanted to hurt anyone else, most of all my family and my kids. I always wanted my family to be so proud of their dad because of what he has accomplished in his life. You guys have given so much back to me, you've given me so much support, I'm so, so grateful to have all of you in my life. Thank you.

'And certainly last, but not least, my mother. My mom who, just a little over a week ago, had to have surgery and I didn't think she was going to make it, but she is here with me tonight to share this night. Now, you know I always thought that I got my courage and my determination from my dad. He landed on Omaha Beach and fought all the way through World War II. But you know what I'm thinking now, Mom, is that I got all these qualities from you. I love you very much. I'm so glad you're here to share this with me.

'You know, it is an honor to have the word courage associated with my life. But tonight another word comes to mind and that is fortunate. I owe a lot to sports. It has shown me the world, it has given me an identity. If someone wanted to bully me, well, you know what? I was the MVP of the football team. That wasn't going to be a problem. And the same thing goes tonight. If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead, because the reality is I can take it. But for the thousands of kids out there who are coming to terms with being true to who they are, they shouldn't have to take it.

'So for the people out there wondering what all this is about — whether it's about courage or controversy or publicity — well, I'll tell you what it's all about. It's about what happens from here. It's not just about one person, it's about thousands of people. It's not just about me, it's about all of us accepting one another. We are all different. That's not a bad thing, that's a good thing and while it may not be easy to get past the things you do not understand, I want to prove that it is absolutely possible if we only do it together.

'Thanks you so much for this. Thanks you so much for this honor bestowed on myself and on my family.'

'The biggest fear in Caitlyn Jenner coming out was I never wanted to hurt anyone else, most of all my family and my kids,' Caitlyn said of the long-time struggle over her sexuality.

'I'm so, so grateful to have all of you in my life. Thank you,' she said wiping away a tear as her voice broke. 

She was presented with the honour by Abby Wambach, who is also an Olympic gold medalist, and was part of the US women's soccer team that won the World Cup earlier this month. 

Public debut: The awards show marked Caitlyn's first major public appearance since her transition

Public debut: The awards show marked Caitlyn's first major public appearance since her transition

Courage award: Caitlyn Jenner accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in a custom Versace gown

Courage award: Caitlyn Jenner accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in a custom Versace gown

Special night: Abby Wambach introduced Caitlyn as she presented the award

Special night: Abby Wambach introduced Caitlyn as she presented the award

Among peers: Caitlyn made her major public debut among athletes at the ESPY Awards

Among peers: Caitlyn made her major public debut among athletes at the ESPY Awards

Caitlyn wore a white custom Versace gown during her acceptance speech and also singled out her mother Esther who attended the awards ceremony after recently undergoing surgery.

She thanked Esther for teaching her how to act with courage as her 19-year-old model daughter Kendall Jenner wiped away tears and 17-year-old daughter Kylie Jenner also fought to contain her emotions.

Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian also were in the audience along with Jenner's sons Brandon and Brody with only stepson Rob Kardashian prominently absent.

Top honor: Esther looked up at Caitlyn as they sat together in the audience at Microsoft Theater

Top honor: Esther looked up at Caitlyn as they sat together in the audience at Microsoft Theater

Caitlyn during her acceptance speech also publicly thanked ABC news veteran Diane for her role in telling her story.

'This transition has been harder on me than anything I could have imagined,' Caitlyn told the audience as she pleaded for people to treat transgender people, particularly youths, with more compassion.

'Trans people deserve something vital,' she said. 'They deserve your respect.'

Standing ovation: Diane Sawyer and the rest of the audience stood up as Caitlyn took the stage

Standing ovation: Diane Sawyer and the rest of the audience stood up as Caitlyn took the stage

Family first: Kendall Jenner, Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner listened intently as Caitlyn spoke

Family first: Kendall Jenner, Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner listened intently as Caitlyn spoke

Famous family: Kim Kardashian sat a row ahead of her famous sisters Kendall and Khloe

Famous family: Kim Kardashian sat a row ahead of her famous sisters Kendall and Khloe

Supportive: Kim cheered and clapped as Caitlyn took to the stage to accept her prestigious award

Supportive: Kim cheered and clapped as Caitlyn took to the stage to accept her prestigious award 

Photo bomb: Bob Baffert fresh off his Triple Crown win with American Pharaoh was seated right in front of the Kardsahian/Jenners 

Photo bomb: Bob Baffert fresh off his Triple Crown win with American Pharaoh was seated right in front of the Kardsahian/Jenners 

Black ensembles: Caitlyn's children who were in attendance opted for all-black ensembles

Black ensembles: Caitlyn's children who were in attendance opted for all-black ensembles

She acknowledged forerunners in the campaign including Renee Richards, Chaz Bono and Laverne Cox and gave a nod to transgender athletes and military personnel.

'We've come a long way, but we have a lot of work to do,' she said.

Caitlyn opened her acceptance speech with a light touch as she joked about being under tremendous pressure the past few months.

'Picking out this outfit,' she quipped. 'OK, girls, I get it. You've got to get the shoes, the hair, the makeup, the whole process. It was exhausting.'

Caitlyn before she took the stage was the subject of a video profile narrated by Mad Men star Jon Hamm.

The video showed Bruce Jenner competing in the decathlon in the 1976 Summer Olympics and winning the gold medal.

Sports hero: Bruce Jenner is shown competing in the 1976 Summer Olympics

Sports hero: Bruce Jenner is shown competing in the 1976 Summer Olympics

He was aged 26 at the time and became an American hero as the country searched for a symbol of hope as the nation's bicentennial approached following a decade of turmoil.

Jenner was the right guy at the right time with Hamm saying he made 'patroitism cool again in America.'

The high-profile athlete however had been coping with gender dysphoria since his youth.

At home: Caitlyn in the video was shown at home discussing the difficulties facing the transgender community

At home: Caitlyn in the video was shown at home discussing the difficulties facing the transgender community

A transition attempt in the late 1980s was abandoned by Jenner due to concerns over his family, but it was pursued again after his marriage to Kris Jenner ended in 2013.

A decision to reduce his Adam's apple in 2014 was caught by the paparazzi.

'I knew immediately it was going to destroy me,' he said in the video.

Hollywood stars: Kiefer Sutherland and Rachel McAdams presented the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance to Peyton Manning

Hollywood stars: Kiefer Sutherland and Rachel McAdams presented the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance to Peyton Manning

Service award: Halle Berry presented the Pat Tillman Award for Service to Danielle Green

Service award: Halle Berry presented the Pat Tillman Award for Service to Danielle Green

Boston fan: Boston Red Sox fan Ben Affleck presented the Icon Award to retired New York Yankees star Derek Jeter

Boston fan: Boston Red Sox fan Ben Affleck presented the Icon Award to retired New York Yankees star Derek Jeter

Team award: Vince Vaughn and Brett Favre presented the Best Team Award

Team award: Vince Vaughn and Brett Favre presented the Best Team Award

Male athlete: Jake Gyllenhaal presented the award for Best Male Athlete to Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors

Male athlete: Jake Gyllenhaal presented the award for Best Male Athlete to Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors

Good times: Britney Spears laughed while presenting the Best Female Athlete award with NFL player JJ Watt

Good times: Britney Spears laughed while presenting the Best Female Athlete award with NFL player JJ Watt

A photo of Jenner crying in his car moved his daughter Kendall who said her father never cries.

'It was really, really hard to see,' she admitted.

'People forget we're actually human beings,' Kendall said in the video.

'To finally be free, that must be the greatest feeling in the world,' she added later.

'Thirty-nine years after we were introduced the world is meeting Caitlyn Jenner again and for the first time,' Hamm said while noting that just like 1976 the timing was perfect.

Transgender actress Candis Cayne was set to accompany Caitlyn to the awards ceremony as both of their camps on Wednesday shot down reports of a romance. 

'It was so ridiculous. What, is Candis suddenly a lesbian now? Candis is currently single but is only interested in men, and Caitlyn is a woman,' a source responding to a tabloid report told Us Weekly.

A source close to Caitlyn also confirmed they were not dating.

Candis, one of the first trangsgender actresses in Hollywood, appears on the I Am Cait upcoming reality series and has been a sort of mentor to Caitlyn.

And while the award was a tremendous honour, Caitlyn, of course, had fashion on the brain upon hearing the news.

She tweeted when the announcement was made in June: 'What the hell am I going to wear?'

Perhaps Kim Kardashian, 34, was pivotal in Caitlyn's final sartorial choices for the evening. 

What matters most: And while the award is a tremendous honour, Caitlyn, of course, had fashion on the brain upon hearing the news

What matters most: And while the award is a tremendous honour, Caitlyn, of course, had fashion on the brain upon hearing the news

Jenner's Athletic Accomplishments

1974: American decathlete champion

1974: French national decathlete champion

1975: Set a world record of 8,524 points at a track meet in Eugene, Oregon 

1976: Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon 

1980: US National Track and Field Hall of Fame 

1986: Olympic Hall of Fame

1994: Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame 

1994: Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame 

2010: San Jose Sports Hall of Fame

Even before Caitlyn transitioned, Kim - who Caitlyn said has been the most accepting of the children - became something of a stylist to her stepparent.

Then still living as Bruce, Kim said she would help go through his closet and weed out all the ugly clothes, and at the time he even admitted to stealing one of her outfits.

'If you’re keeping some of these pieces, I don’t want to be known as your stylist,' she told him on an About Bruce special of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

The former Olympian joined recent Arthur Ashe Courage Award recipients such as Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, and sportscaster Robin Roberts, who survived breast cancer and the blood disease myelodysplastic syndrome.

In its statement announcing Jenner's award, an ESPN boss said he hoped honouring Jenner would 'give comfort' to other transgender people struggling with their identity.'

Executive producer Maura Mandt said upon announcing the honour: 'Bruce [Jenner] has received many accolades over the years for being one of the greatest Olympians of our time, but The ESPYS are honored 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.'

Jenner herself was also quoted in the statement. She said: 'In the past few months, the overwhelming outpouring of support from all over the world for my journey has been incredible'. 

On the way: Kourtney Kardashian tweeted that she and sister Khloe were on their way to the awards show apparently well after it started

On the way: Kourtney Kardashian tweeted that she and sister Khloe were on their way to the awards show apparently well after it started

Large family: Jenner's children including Kendall, Khloe, Kylie, Kim, Kourtney, Brandon and Brody were shown in an Instagram snap backstage shared by Kim

Large family: Jenner's children including Kendall, Khloe, Kylie, Kim, Kourtney, Brandon and Brody were shown in an Instagram snap backstage shared by Kim

'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.' 

ESPN has given its Arthur Ashe Courage Award to figures ranging from professional sportsmen to relative unknowns - and even a world leader.

Ashe was a top-ranked US tennis player who died of AIDS-related pneumonia and was known for his support of civil rights and efforts to educate others about HIV and AIDS.

American champion: Arthur Ashe is shown in 1975 after beating Jimmy Connors in four sets to win  Wimbledon

American champion: Arthur Ashe is shown in 1975 after beating Jimmy Connors in four sets to win  Wimbledon

Following the announcement Bob Costas said that Caitlyn wasn't 'deserving' of the bravery award.

The NBC sportscaster described the move as a 'crass exploitation play' by the network and suggested that somebody 'actively involved in sports' should get it instead.

Costas asserted that Jenner had been granted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award because she offers a 'gawker factor' to the awards ceremony itself, and boost TV audience figures for the ESPYs award ceremony.

Gold medal: Jenner won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal

Gold medal: Jenner won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal

This is not, however, the first accolade for Jenner, who came the American decathlete champion in 1974 and won the French national championship the following year.

That same year, in 1975, Jenner set a world record of 8,524 points at a track meet in Oregon.

Of course Jenner's biggest accomplishment came in 1976 upon winning the gold medal in the decathlon.

Fighting champion: Ronda Rousey accepted the Best Female Athlete Award at the ceremony

Fighting champion: Ronda Rousey accepted the Best Female Athlete Award at the ceremony

Fan favourite: Rob Gronkowski accepted the Best Comeback Athlete award after the New England Patriots star overcame a season-ending knee injury in 2013 
Winner after losing: Lebron James accepted the award for Best Championship Performance for his play in the NBA Finals in which his Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Golden State Warriors

Fan favourite: Rob Gronkowski accepted the Best Comeback Athlete award after the New England Patriots star overcame a season-ending knee injury in 2013 while Lebron James accepted the award for Best Championship Performance for his play in the NBA Finals in which his Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Golden State Warriors

Cute couple: Derek Jeter leans into girlfriend Hanna Davis as he accepted the Icon Award

Cute couple: Derek Jeter leans into girlfriend Hanna Davis as he accepted the Icon Award

Best team: Alex Morgan and Hope Solo of the US women's soccer team and their teammates accepted the award for Best Team

Best team: Alex Morgan and Hope Solo of the US women's soccer team and their teammates accepted the award for Best Team

PAST COURAGE AWARD WINNERS

ESPN has given its Arthur Ashe Courage Award, named after a tennis player who died of AIDS-related pneumonia, to figures ranging from professional sportsmen to relative unknowns - and even a world leader:

2014: Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, was given the award last year. The former St Louis Ram now plays in the Canadian league.

2013: Robin Roberts, a Good Morning America host who worked at ESPN for 15 years, received the 2013 award after her battles with breast cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood condition.

2012: Pat Summitt, a basketball coach at the University of Tennessee with more NCAA wins to her name than any other coach, was given the award after her battle with Alzheimer's disease.

2011: Dewey Bozella, who spent most of his adult life in prison after being wrongly convicted of murder, but found solace and stability in boxing, won the award four years ago.

2010: The family of Ed Thomas, football coach at an Iowa high school, accepted the award after he was murder by a mentally ill former player in the school locker room.

2009: Nelson Mandela, the first president of South Africa, won the award for the way he used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a vehicle for healing racial divides in his country.

During the coronation, Jenner took an American flag from a spectator and hoisted it into the air while running a victory lap, initiating a tradition that is now common among athletes the world over. 

Jenner has been inducted into US National Track and Field Hall of Fame, the Olympic Hall of Fame, the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, the Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame, and the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame.

Before Caitlyn's gender transition she was married three times. Her first marriage was to Chrystie Scott (1972-1981), which produced two children Burton and Cassandra.

Greatest athlete: Bruce is shown in 1976 training for the Sumer Olympics

Greatest athlete: Bruce is shown in 1976 training for the Sumer Olympics

One week after the divorce for his first marriage was finalized she remarried, this time to actress Linda Thompson, they had two children together Brandon and Brody.

Linda divorced Jenner in 1986. The former Olympian went on to marry Kris Jenner in 1991, they have two daughters, Kendall and Kylie. 

Jenner is step-parent to Kris' four children, Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and Rob Kardashian.

Caitlyn and Kris had their divorce finalized in March 2015, just one month before Caitlyn's official gender transition was made public. 

Victory! Of course Jenner's biggest athletic accomplishment came in 1976 upon winning the gold medal in the decathlon

Victory! Of course Jenner's biggest athletic accomplishment came in 1976 upon winning the gold medal in the decathlon

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