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Athletes and stars dazzle at the ESPY Awards 2025

Madhurima Haque
Madhurima Haque

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Hollywood stars aren't the only ones who have a chance to shine on the red carpet.

The ESPY awards, standing for the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly awards, has been held by sports channel ESPN for 22 years, celebrating athletic accomplishments.

Continue to see the biggest names in sports get glam for the red carpet.

Attribution: Getty/AP
Simone Biles
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Simone Biles

Simone Biles may be the most decorated gymnast of all times, but that's not enough for her, with the Olympian determined to win at the 2025 ESPY Awards.

The gold medallist, who was nominated for the Best Championship Performance award, showed up in a fitting ensemble.

The sparkling navy blue fabric clung to her toned athletic form, but it wasn't created by a designer brand like you'd think.

It was in fact created by activewear brand Athleta.

Attribution: Getty
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The gown, which features an open back and beaded accents, did have a expert touch.

Zac Posen, who has designed gowns for the likes of Michelle Obama, Rihanna and Anne Hathaway, was the creative force behind the masterpiece.

The designer took care of everything, with Biles not even seeing the final product until she was getting ready for the awards.

"I'm actually so excited to wear it because I know that the movement will be there, the breathability, and you won't be like trapped in something, and I know I'll be able to breathe," Biles told Sports Illustrated.

"I know in previous red carpet events, you're like, O.K., well, you might not be able to sit too well with this fabric, but it looks really good on the carpet. So I'm excited that this dress will look perfect the whole entire time through walking the red carpet, sitting, standing, everything."

Attribution: Getty
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Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles
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Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles

At the event she showed a lot of love, sharing some PDA with her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens.

He wore a stylish white blazer, black trousers, and a low cowl neck that showed off his toned physique.

Attribution: Getty
Simone Biles, Busta Rhymes and Flau'jae Johnson
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Simone Biles, Busta Rhymes and Flau'jae Johnson

Biles also showed off her toned arms as she accepted the award for Best Championship Performance for her Olympic gymnastics all-around, presented to her by Busta Rhymes and Flau'jae Johnson.

Attribution: Getty
Brooks Nader
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Brooks Nader

US model and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covergirl Brooks Nader wowed in a classic white low-cut slip dress. Her blonde hair was blown out and swept to the side, and she accessorised simply with a pair of earrings.

Attribution: Getty
Shane Gillis
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Shane Gillis

Comedian Shane Gillis was tasked with hosting the awards, but not everyone was impressed with his jokes.

The 37-year-old poked fun at athletes like Caitlin Clark, Shohei Ohtani, Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe, but many of his joke fell flat, with social media critiquing them for being racist, as per People.

The comedian was even booed by the crowd of sportspeople, with Gillis telling them to "lighten up" in response. He defended another flat joke by saying "I didn't write it."

After some time spent impersonating Donald Trump and joking about the Jeffrey Epstein files, he told the audience, "Actually, there was supposed to be an Epstein joke here but it must've been deleted. Actually, it probably deleted itself," due to Disney, ESPN's parent company.

Attribution: AP
Shane Gillis
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Shane Gillis

Gillis also spent several minutes impersonating Donald Trump, and also gave a nod to the Jeffrey Epstein files while joking with the audience that his jokes could have been more R-rated if not for Disney, ESPN's parent company.

"Actually, there was supposed to be an Epstein joke here but it must've been deleted. Actually, it probably deleted itself," Gillis said.

He concluded his pre-show monologue with, "Well, I see a lot of you don't like me and that's OK.

"That went about as exactly how we all thought it was gonna go, I don't know why this happened."

Attribution: AP
Suni Lee
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Suni Lee

Gymnast Suni Lee was gunning for gold with her ensemble, wearing a textured gold gown with feather-like embellishments and a thigh-igh split.

The Olympic gold medalist nabbed the Best Comeback Athlete award at the event.

Attribution: AP
Ciara
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Ciara

Singer Ciara stunned in a nude off-the-shoulder embellished gown with a long slit in the back.

The 1,2, Step singer was in attendance to support her husband, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.

Attribution: Getty

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