In it to Win it: 2019 Sportsperson of the Year Awards

Let the Show Begin

Sports Illustrated’s annual Sportsperson of the Year Awards was held at the legendary Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City on Monday, December 9. This year’s awards focused on the power of sports to amaze, inspire and connect people around the world.

Over 400 guests attended the event, which was hosted by comedian Mark Viera. NBA hall-of-famer Shaquille O’Neal, award-winning journalist Ann Curry, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks and Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp were among the presenters for the evening.

And the Award Goes to…

Two-time World Cup champion and co-captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Megan Rapinoe, received the 2019 Sportsperson of the Year award, the most prestigious honor in all of sports media. This award is given to an athlete, coach or team who best represents the spirit and ideals of sportsmanship, character and performance. Megan is featured on the cover of the December issue, which also highlights all of this year’s recipients. Megan accepted the award with a gracious and heartfelt speech ending with, “let’s just be better.” Learn more about Megan here.

High School quarterback Bryce Young received the first ever SI All-American award this year. The SI All-American award celebrates the nation’s top high school football and basketball players. Other honorees include Warrick Dunn, who received the Muhammad Ali Legacy award, Luka Dončić, who received the Breakout of the Year award and Ally Sentnor, who received the SportsKid of the Year award.

Walk the Red Carpet

Shaquille O’Neal, Megan Rapinoe, Noah Schnapp, Brooks Nader, Warrick Dunn, Daniela Lopez, Mark Viera, Robin Holzken and more made their way down the red carpet in style.

Authentic Brands Group executives were also in attendance. (From left to right) Jay Dubiner, Ken Ohashi, Jarrod Weber, Nick Woodhouse, Jamie Salter, Natasha Fishman and Corey Salter.