“Such an Inspiration”: Lindsey Vonn Bows Down to Billie Jean King for Doing the Unthinkable for Sportswomen

Tennis legend, Billie Jean King’s illustrious career in the sport boasts of overwhelming accomplishments, from winning 39 major titles to being a celebrated member of the U.S. national team. Besides that, she also voiced her idea for equal pay and opportunities in sports. This is how the Women’s Sports Foundation was born and was acknowledged by athletes from all over the world. 

Similarly, in a recent Twitter post, four-time World Cup skiing champion, Lindsey Vonn reshared a tribute to King with an insightful note. She emphasized her contribution towards the status of women and their athletic endeavors. Here’s what the post read. 

Lindsey Vonn hails Billie Jean King for her efforts

As per the social media update posted today, the 38-year-old athlete saluted the seven-time Federation Cup winner. It was a moment of greats recognizing greats. “Such an inspiration! BJK has done so much for women and women in sports,” Vonn commented on the original post that was shared by the Women’s Sports Foundation on 19th March. This immediately grabbed fans’ attention making it go viral. 

Apparently, the 79-year-old tennis star founded the organization 50 years ago in 1974 and the update hinted at it as a path-breaking milestone. This initiative came after her successful feats in the sport, with a former World no. 1 title and nine-time Wingman Cups. Hence, the ode to the icon reads, “50 years ago, WSF founder, @BillieJeanKing, took on the challenge to fight for equal prize money at the U.S. Open and won. Now we join the @USTA in celebrating this milestone and much more!”

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Her prime motive was to encourage equality in sports and chose to contest the highest authorities in the domain. Remarkably, she prevailed gloriously and is cherished as one of the greatest pioneers of women in sports. King also founded the World Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973. Moreover, Tennis is comparably the only sport that cultures pay equity amongst other fields. Regardless of the movement’s success, BJK continues to call out officials for their prejudiced views on sportswomen. 

Billie Jean King snaps back at French Open official for his critical outlook

A notable personality within the sports community, King perpetually challenges any hint of gender-biased sport dynamics. In 2022, she expressed her resentment toward prioritizing men’s matches at night, over women’s. “If [they] keep treating us like second-class citizens, we will stay second-class citizens,” she declared. 

Reportedly, night sessions amassed a greater audience and fans could watch them for a longer duration than day matches. Thus, the French Open authorities favored the men’s category for the later part of the day, thus, calling for BJK’s concern over the matter. Additionally, only one out of 10-night matches was assigned to the women’s matches. 

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Billie Jean King’s instigating efforts toward gender equality in the sports world have vaulted her to the peak of greatness. Significantly, she has founded various charity organizations like WTT Charities Foundation in 1998, to support women athletes in their athletic pursuits. She also stands for AIDS victims and makes sizeable donations to the National AIDS Fund. A true hero, here’s to BJK!