Billie Jean King made history by becoming the first female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. The bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Mikie Sherrill passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives and the Senate, heading to President Joe Biden’s desk for signature. The award recognizes King’s advocacy on and off the court, including her fight for Title IX, equal pay, and LGBTQ+ rights.
King’s legendary tennis career included 39 Grand Slam titles and a record 20 victories at Wimbledon. She famously won the “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs at 29 years old, showcasing her dedication to gender equality. Throughout her life, King has founded organizations like the Women’s Tennis Association and Women’s Sports Foundation, championing for women’s rights in sports.
Receiving the Congressional Gold Medal adds to King’s list of accolades, including being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award distinguishes her achievements as an athlete and advocate, cementing her legacy for future generations. Other athletes who have received the Congressional Gold Medal include Jackie Robinson, Arnold Palmer, and Steve Gleason.
In response to the announcement, King expressed feeling “humbled and honored” to receive the award, recognizing the impact of her contributions to sports and social justice. Her dedication to breaking barriers and promoting equality has paved the way for many athletes and inspired a movement towards gender parity in sports.
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