Olympians Stole The Show At The 2026 ESPY Awards

Olympians proved they always go for the gold at the July 15, 2026 ESPY Awards, and the star athletes stole the show in their gorgeous red carpet looks. An annual ESPN event, the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards honor a variety of famous athletes with titles such as Best Female Athlete and Best Breakthrough Athlete. While professional teams and players are naturally recognized — the New York Knicks clinched the title of Best Team — Olympic competitors also receive their fair share of accolades.

With the Winter Olympic Games being held in February 2026, both familiar faces and breakout stars were present at the ESPYs. On top of presenting awards and scoring a few titles, the medalists also turned heads with glittering gowns and purposeful cutouts. As Olympians have wowed with their stunning off-field style, it's no surprise they also brought their A-game when walking the red carpet.

Alyssa Liu was named the Best Breakthrough Athlete at the 2026 ESPYs following her gold-winning performances at the 2026 Olympics. The figure skater took home the title in style, too, serving her signature edgy aesthetic with a jaw-dropping eveningwear makeover. She wore a black backless gown with a draped, halter neckline, and accessorized with a rosary-inspired necklace that looked like a choker from the front while hanging suspended down her back. Liu's striped hairstyle, which means more than you think, was styled into an updo finished off with face-framing fringe.

Simone Biles has turned heads with her daring ensembles in the past, and added to her lookbook during the ESPYs. The gymnast posed in a corseted champagne gown with a voluminous, leg-baring skirt. She styled the dress with a statement diamond necklace and a curled, side-parted hairstyle. Then, the gold medalist stepped out in a stunning second gown to present the Best Team Award. The black gown had a figure-hugging silhouette with a deep-V bust trimmed with gold embellishments. Biles may be a professional athlete, but she doesn't play with her fashion choices.

Chloe Kim was another one of the best-dressed Olympians at the ESPYs, where she presented the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance. The title actually went to the snowboarder's boyfriend, Myles Garrett, who thanked her in his acceptance speech. Kim walked the red carpet in a beautiful maroon gown, with a corset-style bodice and understated ruching across the hips that cascaded down one side. She accessorized with a half-up hairstyle, a sparkling necklace, and a soft lip color for a glamorously alluring evening look.

Ilona Maher dazzled in a gown that felt like a chic and fun take on a glittering disco ball. The rugby player, who was recognized by the ESPYs in 2025 for her performance in the Tokyo Olympics, wore a floor-length gown consisting of a bandeau-style bodice decorated with silver sequins that matched her platform heels. The garment also featured a narrow, midriff-baring cutout that gave way to a column-shaped white skirt. Maher completed her playful red carpet ensemble with straightened tresses, dangly earrings, and a gorgeous bold eyeshadow look.

Suni Lee attended the 2026 ESPYs in an alluring gown shortly after announcing her return to gymnastics via Instagram. The two-time Olympian stepped out in a red, floor-length number featuring a strapless neckline and column silhouette. The fabric's subtle shimmer elevated the fiery piece, while the star athlete styled the dress with a simple diamond necklace, a glossy lip, and a deep side part. Lee looked absolutely amazing in the red-hot hue, marking this ensemble as another win for the Olympians.

Speed skater Jutta Leerdam turned heads at the ESPY Awards with a dreamy, silky gown. Her celestial silver dress featured a draped bust held up by gold-chain straps, sitting atop illusion cutouts that carved the silky fabric into a diamond-shaped swath. While the curved hem revealed strappy slingback sandals, the gold medalist also accessorized with a simple chain necklace and a frosty lip. Though they're known for winning medals at the Olympic Games, these star athletes proved they can also hold their own in front of a step-and-repeat.