Caitlyn Jenner's courage award helps ESPYs triple its TV audience after switch to ABC 

  • Six per cent of homes across America tuned in to the annual ceremony 
  • 65-year-old honoree received standing ovation after acceptance speech
  • Cancer survivor Leah Still, five, was also honored with her father Devon 

By Lydia Willgress for MailOnline

Published: 09:32 EST, 17 July 2015 | Updated: 12:22 EST, 17 July 2015

The ESPY Awards boosted their ratings by more than three times this year, according to figures from ABC. 

Six per cent of homes across America tuned in to the annual event on Wednesday, which celebrates individual and team athletic achievements.

This compares to just under 1.7 per cent of homes that watched the awards last year.

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The ESPYs boosted their ratings by more than three times this year, according to figures from ABC. Above, Caitlyn Jenner accepts her award

The ESPYs boosted their ratings by more than three times this year, according to figures from ABC. Above, Caitlyn Jenner accepts her award

It is thought the transfer of the ESPYs to a major television channel along with the appearance of Caitlyn Jenner helped boost ratings.

The 65-year-old honoree attended to accept the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

She received a standing ovation as she made her first major public appearance since announcing her transitioning 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.

The 65-year-old honoree attended to accept the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, which she was presented with by Abby Wambach

The 65-year-old honoree attended to accept the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, which she was presented with by Abby Wambach

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
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

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

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

Wiping away a tear, she added: 'I'm so, so grateful to have all of you in my life. Thank you.' 

She was presented with the honor 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. 

Pediatric cancer survivor Leah Still was also honored, with her father Devon (pictured) collecting the Jimmy V. Award at the event

Pediatric cancer survivor Leah Still was also honored, with her father Devon (pictured) collecting the Jimmy V. Award at the event

The five-year-old's cancer, diagnosed as Stage IV neuroblastoma, is now in remission. Her father is hoping to raise awareness

The five-year-old's cancer, diagnosed as Stage IV neuroblastoma, is now in remission. Her father is hoping to raise awareness

Pediatric cancer survivor Leah Still was also honored, with her father Devon collecting the Jimmy V. Award for perseverance.

The five-year-old's cancer, diagnosed as Stage IV neuroblastoma, is now in remission. 

Accepting the award, her father said: 'We could have lost faith and just let this battle with cancer get the best of us, or I could give my daughter's battle with cancer a purpose, and use my platform to try to raise as much awareness as possible.'  

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