Billie Jean King to Receive Congressional Gold Medal

Billie Jean King will be the first individual female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Mikie Sherrill announced Tuesday that their bipartisan bill to honor the tennis icon had cleared the House of Representatives and now awaits President Joe Biden's signature. The legislation successfully passed the Senate unanimously prior to the House's approval.

Sherrill highlighted King's transformative impact, stating her "lifetime of advocacy and hard work changed the landscape for women and girls on the court, in the classroom, and in the workplace." The bill was introduced last September, marking the 50th anniversary of King's famous "Battle of the Sexes" victory over Bobby Riggs. This tennis match remains the sport's most-watched event ever and solidified King's legendary status.

The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded by Congress for distinguished achievements. Previous athlete recipients include Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, and Arnold Palmer. King also earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Fitzpatrick praised her for breaking barriers and inspiring many to stand with "courage and conviction in the fight for what is right." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)