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.
