Sports fans will remember Robin Roberts as a SportsCenter anchor throughout the 1990's and into the early 2000's and one of the bedrocks of ESPN's flagship program. Along with Bob Ley and Charley Steiner, Roberts was one of the most respected anchors at ESPN. Her work at ESPN drew her to ABC News and Good Morning America, where she took over as a full-time anchor in 2005.
Over the last decade, Roberts has made a name for herself in the news world and she's drawn even more support in the last several years as she's heroically battled first breast cancer and then MDS. Roberts returned to GMA last month after a 4 month leave of absence for a bone marrow transplant and has been a transcendent, inspiring figure to anyone who's witnessed her battle.
For those reasons, Robin Roberts will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at this year's ESPYs. Roberts spoke about the honor on SportsCenter yesterday…
As easy as it is to poke fun at the nature of the ESPYs, this award and the platform it provides is really one of the best and most meaningful things ESPN does. If you'll remember, Jim Valvano's memorable speech in 1993 came when he won the first Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Other recipients include Muhammad Ali, George Weah, and last year's honoree Pat Summitt. Given Roberts' stature, her journey the last year, and her link to ESPN, it's only natural that she be named this year's recipient.
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