Billie Jean King (Athlete)

Billie Jean King (1943–Present) is a legendary American tennis player and a pioneering force in the fight for gender equality in sports. With 39 Grand Slam titles—including 12 in singles—King was not only one of the most dominant players in the history of tennis but also a trailblazer for women's rights. Her most iconic moment came in 1973 when she famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes, a highly publicized match that symbolized the fight for equal treatment and opportunities for women in sports. Beyond her athletic achievements, King was a passionate advocate for women's sports, founding the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and championing equal pay for female athletes. She was instrumental in the push for Title IX, which helped level the playing field for women in sports across the U.S. King’s advocacy and leadership helped to shape the modern landscape of women’s athletics, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes and activists fighting for equality in sports and beyond.