Former world number one Billie Jean King is set to become the first individual athlete to be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. The 80-year-old is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of women’s tennis in the Open era.
As per the latest report by Tennis.com, King’s greatness is set to be acknowledged at the national level as she is set to become the first individual female athlete to be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. The development took place on Tuesday event when two legislators New Jersey’s Mikie Sherrill and Pennsylvania’s Brian Fitzpatrick announced that their bill has been successfully passed through the House of Representatives.
“With this bill getting signed into law, we are cementing Billie Jean's legacy as both a champion of tennis and equality whose impact will continue to inspire and empower future generations,” Fitzpatrick was quoted in a statement in the story. The bill was presented in September 2023 and was already passed through the Senate unanimously. The bill is now waiting to be signed by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden.
“Billie Jean King’s lifetime of advocacy and hard work changed the landscape for women and girls on the court, in the classroom, and the workplace,” said Sherrill. “That’s why it has been an absolute honor to help lead the bipartisan effort to add another ‘first’ to Billie Jean’s resume of trailblazing accomplishments.”
King finished her career in 1990, 22 years after turning pro. In her illustrious career, she ended up lifting 39 Grand Slam titles, 12 of which came in the singles category. She won the Tour Finals on four occasions. She also lifted the Fed Cup seven times as a player and four times as a captain. King’s most successful competition in the singles category was Wimbledon where she lifted the title six times.
Thank you. I am deeply humbled and honored.
🚨 History made! 🚨 The House just passed my bipartisan, bicameral bill to award my friend, @BillieJeanKing, legendary athlete, and ardent advocate, the Congressional Gold Medal, making her the first female athlete to ever receive this honor—yet another iconic trailblazing moment…
