Born: 1943 (Long Beach, California)
Biography:
Billie Jean King is an American former world No. 1 tennis player, born on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California. She was born into a conservative Methodist family, to parents Betty and Bill Moffitt. King’s family had a strong athletic background, with her mother excelling at swimming and her father participating in basketball, baseball, and track. Her younger brother, Randy Moffitt, also became a Major League Baseball pitcher.
From a young age, King displayed her own athletic prowess. She excelled in baseball and softball, playing shortstop for a team that went on to win the Long Beach softball championship when she was just 10 years old. However, at the age of 11, King made the decision to switch to tennis, prompted by her parents’ suggestion that she should engage in a more ‘ladylike’ sport.
King’s transition to tennis proved to be a turning point in her life. She quickly showed immense talent and dedication, and her love for the sport propelled her to great heights. Throughout her career, King won an impressive total of 39 major titles, including 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. Her accomplishments on the court solidify her as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Not only was King a formidable presence in the world of tennis, but she also made significant contributions in advancing gender equality and social justice. In 1973, at the age of 29, King participated in the iconic Battle of the Sexes tennis match against 55-year-old Bobby Riggs. This legendary match was not only a victory for King but also served as a milestone in promoting gender equality and challenging societal norms.
Beyond her individual achievements, King founded the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation. These organizations aimed to provide opportunities for female athletes and promote gender equity in sports. King’s tireless advocacy efforts were influential in facilitating the sponsorship of women’s tennis by cigarette brand Virginia Slims in the 1970s. As a result, she served on the board of their parent company Philip Morris in the 2000s.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, King has received numerous accolades. In 1987, she was rightfully inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The Fed Cup Award of Excellence was bestowed upon her in 2010, further highlighting her impact on the sport. King’s dedication and impact on women’s sports led to her joint win, alongside John Wooden, of the prestigious Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year award in 1972. She was also named one of the Time Persons of the Year in 1975.
In addition to her sports-related honors, King has been acknowledged for her contributions to society. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, exemplifying her commitment to social justice. The Sunday Times recognized her with the Sportswoman of the Year lifetime achievement award. King’s legacy is further immortalized with her induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1990.
Continuing her influence on the world of tennis and women’s sports, the USTA National Tennis Center in New York City was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2006. She was honored with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, emphasizing her enduring impact and influence. Additionally, in 2020, the prestigious Federation Cup was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup as a tribute to her remarkable contributions to the sport.
Billie Jean King’s impressive career and unwavering dedication to gender equality have left an indelible mark on both sports and society. Her outstanding achievements on the tennis court, combined with her trailblazing advocacy work, solidify her as a true pioneer and an enduring inspiration for generations to come.
Awards:
– Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (1987)
– Fed Cup Award of Excellence (2010)
– Joint winner of the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year award (1972)
– Time Persons of the Year (1975)
– Presidential Medal of Freedom (received)
– Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year lifetime achievement award
– Induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame (1990)
– BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)
– French Legion of Honour (2022)