Billie Jean King has won the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States Tennis Association said Friday. This makes her the first female individual athlete to receive this honor.
President Joe Biden signed legislation Thursday recognizing King’s groundbreaking contributions both on and off the court.
King has long been a pioneer for gender equality in sports and society. The 80-year-old’s tireless advocacy for equal pay in tennis led the 1973 US Open to become the first Grand Slam tournament to offer equal prize money to men and women, cementing her legacy as a champion of women’s rights.
This is an incredible honor for the outstanding Billie Jean King. ✨ pic.twitter.com/gCI3o43E7p
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 27, 2024
That same year, King defeated Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” match, a watershed event for both tennis and the women’s movement. The game, held at the Houston Astrodome, was watched by an estimated 90 million people worldwide, furthering the fight for equality in sports.
“Billy is one of the greatest athletes and ambassadors in tennis history, but his impact off the court is far greater than his achievements on the court,” said Brian Hainline, USTA president and president. “She has broken another barrier with this award.”
King has won 39 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. She was instrumental in founding the Women’s Tennis Association.
King is one of a select group of athletes to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. Eleven individual athletes, as well as members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, received the Congressional Gold Medal, but before King, all were men.
