Photo credit: Simone Biles (Instagram)
Olympians proved they can dominate beyond competition as they delivered some of the night’s most memorable fashion moments at the 2026 ESPY Awards.
Held on July 15, the annual ESPN event celebrated the biggest achievements in sports while also giving athletes an opportunity to showcase their personal style. Several Olympic medalists embraced the spotlight with elegant gowns, bold silhouettes and eye-catching accessories that quickly became highlights of the evening.
Alysa Liu celebrates breakthrough year in style
Fresh off her Olympic success, figure skater Alysa Liu accepted the Best Breakthrough Athlete award while wearing one of the night’s standout looks.
She arrived in a striking black backless gown featuring a draped halter neckline that blended elegance with her signature edgy style. Liu completed the look with a rosary-inspired necklace that extended down her back and an updo finished with soft face-framing bangs.
Her fashion choice reflected the confidence that has defined her rise following an impressive 2026 Olympic campaign.
Simone Biles impresses with two glamorous outfits
Simone Biles once again demonstrated why she remains one of sports’ biggest fashion icons.
The decorated gymnast first appeared in a champagne-colored corset gown featuring a dramatic full skirt with a high slit. She paired the look with sparkling diamond jewelry and softly curled hair.
Later in the ceremony, Biles changed into a second outfit while presenting the Best Team award. The sleek black gown featured gold detailing around a plunging neckline and a fitted silhouette that offered a completely different but equally elegant style.
Her wardrobe change became one of the most talked-about moments of the red carpet.
Chloe Kim, Ilona Maher and Suni Lee shine
Snowboarding champion Chloe Kim also attracted attention in a deep maroon gown with a corset-inspired bodice and subtle ruching around the waist.
Kim presented the Best Record-Breaking Performance award, which was won by her boyfriend, NFL star Myles Garrett. During his acceptance speech, Garrett acknowledged Kim while celebrating the honor.
Meanwhile, rugby star Ilona Maher embraced a glamorous look with a silver sequined bandeau-style bodice paired with a flowing white skirt. The sparkling outfit gave off vintage disco-inspired elegance while maintaining a modern feel.
Gymnast Suni Lee also earned praise for her bold fashion choice. She wore a shimmering strapless red gown with a sleek column silhouette, complementing the vibrant look with diamond jewelry and a polished hairstyle.
Jutta Leerdam rounds out the best-dressed Olympians
Speed skater Jutta Leerdam completed the impressive lineup of Olympic fashion standouts.
She stepped onto the red carpet wearing a silky silver gown featuring carefully placed cutouts connected by gold chain straps. The elegant design highlighted her sophisticated style while metallic accessories and understated jewelry completed the look.
Her appearance reinforced the growing influence Olympians have on red carpet fashion, proving they can command attention both on the world stage and at major entertainment events.
Olympic stars continue to dominate beyond sports
The 2026 ESPY Awards celebrated athletic excellence, but the evening also highlighted how Olympians continue expanding their influence into fashion, entertainment and popular culture.
Whether accepting awards, presenting trophies or simply walking the red carpet, athletes like Simone Biles, Alysa Liu, Chloe Kim, Suni Lee, Ilona Maher and Jutta Leerdam demonstrated that their impact extends far beyond competition.
Their memorable appearances ensured Olympic athletes remained among the biggest winners of the night, even before the first award was presented.
Source: Women.com
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