Caitlyn Jenner to receive Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPYS

Former Olympic decathlete Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at The 2015 ESPYS.

Former Olympic decathlete Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2015 ESPY awards, Those Guys Have All the Fun author James Andrew Miller reported. 

ESPN confirmed the news to Brian Stelter of CNN.

Last month, Jenner announced that she was transitioning to become a woman in an interview broadcast on ABC. Earlier Monday, Jennermade her debut as Caitlyn on the cover of Vanity Fair. 

Jenner won the gold medal in the decathalon in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, and also placed 10th in the decathalon in the 1972 Olympics in Munich. The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is given to individuals who transcend sports.

In the interview with ABC, Jenner disputed claims that she was transitioning for publicity. 

"Do you have any idea what I've been going through my whole life?" she said. 

• Former Olympian Jenner to Vanity Fair: 'Call me Caitlyn'

After the Vanity Fair cover debuted online, Jenner tweeted, "I'm so happy after such a long struggle to be living my true self."

Last year, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award was given to Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted by the NFL. Other previous recipients of the award include Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, Nelson Mandela and Dean Smith. 

It was also announced on Monday that Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still and his daughter Leah will be honored with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at The 2015 ESPYS.

The 2015 ESPYS will be held in Los Angeles on July 15.

- Molly Geary