A Night of Records and Triumphs
The 2026 ESPY Awards turned the spotlight on a new generation of champions, with Declan Farmer, the U.S. Paralympic sled‑hockey star, taking home the award for Best Athlete with a Disability. Farmer’s record‑breaking tournament saw him net 15 goals and 26 points, setting a Paralympic single‑event high.
The U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team extended its dominance, capturing a fifth consecutive gold medal at the Games. The team’s website, teamusa.org, reflects a legacy of resilience and skill that has become a benchmark for adaptive sports.
On the Olympic stage, the American men’s and women’s hockey squads each added gold to the nation’s medal haul. Jack Hughes delivered a dramatic overtime winner, edging Canada 2‑1, while Megan Keller’s sudden‑death strike secured the women’s title. Hilary Knight’s regulation‑time goal forced the extra period, underscoring the tightly contested finals.
The New York Knicks were honored with the Best Team ESPY after a historic championship run that ended a 53‑year title drought. OG Anunoby’s game‑winning tip‑in during Game 4 of the Finals earned him the award for Best Play, capping a season that will be remembered for its intensity and clutch performances.
Other standout moments included A’ja Wilson’s recognition as Best Athlete in Women’s Sports, Jalen Brunson’s award for Best Championship Performance, and Connor Hellebuyck’s 41‑save effort that earned him Best Goalie honors. In a poignant moment, Aerin Frankel stopped 30 shots to guide the women’s team, while Kendall Coyne Schofield stood beside Billie Jean King to present the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award.