In a groundbreaking moment for women athletes across the United States, tennis legend Billie Jean King is set to make history as the first individual female athlete to be honored with the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal. This monumental achievement comes after U.S. Representatives Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania successfully pushed bipartisan legislation through the House of Representatives.
While King may never have had the chance to compete for an Olympic gold medal, this latest accolade cements her place as a trailblazer in the world of sports. The announcement was made on Tuesday evening, marking a significant step forward in recognizing the contributions of female athletes to American society.
“In signing this bill into law, we are solidifying Billie Jean’s legacy as a champion of both tennis and equality, whose impact will continue to inspire and empower future generations,” remarked Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-01) in a press release.
The bill, introduced on the 50th anniversary of King’s famous victory over Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes last September, had previously sailed through the Senate with unanimous support. With its successful passage through both houses of Congress, the only thing left is for President Joe Biden to put pen to paper and make it official.
Reflecting on King’s remarkable achievements, Rep. Sherrill (NJ-11) stated, “Billie Jean King’s lifetime of advocacy and hard work has reshaped the landscape for women and girls not just on the court, but also in the classroom and the workplace. It has been a true honor to be part of the bipartisan effort to add another ‘first’ to Billie Jean’s already impressive list of trailblazing accomplishments.”
This latest honor for King comes hot on the heels of her receiving France’s highest civilian award, La Légion d’Honneur, further solidifying her status as a true icon of the sport.
As the tennis world eagerly awaits President Biden’s signature on the bill, there is no doubt that Billie Jean King’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, both on and off the court.
