Billie Jean King to make history as first female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal
American tennis icon Billie Jean King is set to create history as she will become the first individual female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. The Bill to honor King has been passed in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey took to their X accounts to share the news. Their bipartisan legislation to honor the 39-time Grand Slam champion, which had already received the go-ahead in the Senate, was also passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
King will become the first individual female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal which is one of the highest civilian honors. Other athletes who have received the honor include Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Roberto Clemente, and Jackie Robinson.
Sherrill announced the news with an image of her embracing King. She wrote on X:
"Proud to help lead the efforts to add another “first” to Billie Jean’s resume of trailblazing accomplishments: the first female athlete to earn the Congressional Gold Medal.🥇"
Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick uploaded a video of him listing down the tennis icon's several accolades and her journey to greatness. He called King his friend and wrote:
"🚨 History made! 🚨 Billie Jean King 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 for this indomitable icon!... Congratulations, Billie Jean—your fight has shattered barriers once again!"
The bill was introduced in September 2023 as it was the 50th anniversary of the historic 'Battle of the Sexes'. King defeated Bobby Riggs in the most-watched tennis match of all time.
"I am deeply humbled and honored" - Billie Jean King reacts to creating history as she is set to receive the Congressional Gold Medal
Billie Jean King took note of the posts uploaded by Brian Fitzpatrick and Mikie Sherrill on X. She reposted Fitzpatrick's update and wrote:
"Thank you. I am deeply humbled and honored"
Further, she also reposted Sherrill's update and wrote:
"Thank you. It's an honor."
King's career as a professional tennis player lasted over 20 years. She managed to win 12 singles, 16 women's doubles, and 11 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. She is a former World No. 1 who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.
The 80-year-old has done important work off the court as well. She has pushed for female equality in tennis since the 1970s and continues to revel in the progress that has been made in the past few decades.