Billie Jean King could become first individual female athlete to get Congressional Gold Medal
Billie Jean King before the International Friendly match between Chelsea FC and NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena on August 19, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)
Billie Jean King, the tennis Hall of Famer and outspoken activist for women’s equal rights in sports, could become the first individual female athlete to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey say they have enough votes in the House to grant her the distinguished award. The only step left is to get the bill to the floor for a vote. The companion bill in the Senate passed unanimously.
"Billie Jean’s a barrier breaker and hopefully she’s going to break another one," said Fitzpatrick, a Republican. "Hopefully this will be the first of many."
Lawmakers introduced the bill in September 2023 on the 50th anniversary of King's victory over Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes," still the most-watched tennis match of all-time.
READ MORE: Danny Jansen becomes 1st player in MLB history to play for both teams in same game
That same year, King led the successful push for the U.S. Open to award equal prize money to its men's and women's champions, and the WTA Tour was created.
The gold medal is awarded by Congress for distinguished achievements and contributions to society. Baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, and golfers Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer are among the recipients.
"We need her advocacy," Rep. Sherrill, a Democrat, said. "Like, when Billie Jean King shows up on the Hill, our Speaker Emerita Pelosi shows up for her because of that relationship and how influential she’s been to so many women, and has made such an impact for so many of us."