Three U.S. senators will introduce a bill Wednesday that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King.
NEW YORK -- Billie Jean King's victory in the"Battle of the Sexes" was a milestone moment as women pushed for equality on the playing field and beyond.
Three U.S. senators will introduce a bill Wednesday that would award the honor to King, the tennis Hall of Famer and activist who was a driving force behind the creation of the women's pro tour and equal prize money for men and women. King has already celebrated the 50th anniversaries this year of the WTA Tour and the US Open becoming the first tournament to award equal prize money to its men's and women's champions. On Sept. 20, 1973, she faced Riggs, the former No. 1-ranked men's player who boasted he could beat any women's player.
It's one of the reasons Gillibrand believes the gold medal, awarded by Congress for distinguished achievements and contributions to society, is proper recognition for King. It has previously been given to athletes such as baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente and golfers Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III's three-day state visitKing Charles III of the United Kingdom starts a three-day state visit to France meant to highlight with great pomp both nations’ friendship.
Read more »
France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III's three-day state visitKing Charles III of the United Kingdom starts a three-day state visit to France meant to highlight with great pomp both nations’ friendship.
Read more »
France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III's three-day state visitKing Charles III of the United Kingdom starts a three-day state visit to France meant to highlight with great pomp both nations’ friendship.
Read more »
King Charles heads to France for three-day state visitKing Charles will arrive in France on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, during which he and President Emmanuel Macron will hope to build on personal bonds to help turn the page on years of rocky relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Read more »
Why Uma Thurman Turned Down 'Lord of the Rings'Instead of killing Bill, the Bride could have been killing the Witch King.
Read more »