Receiving recognition for your work and earning the highest honors is something most people can only dream of. But when that recognition comes from outside your professional boundaries, it becomes even more special—and tennis legend Billie Jean King knows that feeling all too well. At 80 years old, King continues to inspire not only with her trailblazing accomplishments on the tennis court but also with her relentless advocacy off it. And now, her incredible contributions have earned her one of the highest distinctions from the American government, marking a crowning achievement in a life already filled with remarkable milestones.

The former World No. 1 player and an activist in women’s sports, King is all set to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick shared the information about this on his X account, and wrote, “🚨 History made! 🚨 The House just passed my bipartisan, bicameral bill to award my friend, @BillieJeanKing, legendary athlete, and ardent advocate, the Congressional Gold Medal.” This recognition will establish King as the first and the only women athlete so far to be awarded the prestigious award. 

Remember, the award has been given to King in recognition of her work fighting for Title IX, and women’s and LGBTQ+ equality on and off the tennis court. She has also been vocal about equal payment to male and female tennis players. The 80-year-old, meanwhile, could not contain her happiness.

Taking to her X, King wrote, “Thank you. I am deeply humbled and honored.” For the unversed, she has already been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 for her relentless efforts. But Representatives Mikie Sherrill and Fitzpatrick made an effort to add more feathers to her glorious cap. 

Speaking about King during his speech, Fitzpatrick said that she has “broken barriers, led uncharted paths, and inspired countless people to stand proudly with courage and conviction in the fight for what is right.” Sherrill, a Democrat, said in a statement that King’s “lifetime of advocacy and hard work changed the landscape for women and girls on the court, in the classroom, and the workplace.”

The award has been given to several athletes in the past as well in recognition of their work for society. This includes names like those of baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, and golfers Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, and Arnold Palmer. But King has emerged at the forefront and has represented the women athletes to receive the honor for her relentless work. Indeed, King has never shied away from expressing herself on women’s rights and has slammed even the established names within the tennis community whenever the need arose.

When Billie Jean King slammed John McEnroe for his remarks on Serena Williams

Billie Jean King is known not just for her accolades but also for giving the tennis world some of the most historical moments. From the ‘Battle of Sexes’ to slamming critics for women’s sports in style for their remarks, King has always taken upon challenges and proved her mettle be it on and off the court. One such incident unfolded when she lashed out at John McEnroe for his remarks related to Serena Williams.

In an interview in 2017, McEnroe said that while he respected Williams, he would not refrain from giving honest feedback to the legendary player. Continuing further, he claimed that “If she played the men’s circuit, she’d be like 700 in the world.” This quickly drew criticism from King, who said, “They want attention. We’re talking about John. He gets exactly what he wants. It’s attention and fear.”

For now, Billie Jean King would indeed be looking forward to celebrating her latest accolade. It will be interesting to see the reactions that would follow from the sports arena after the announcement.