Isolated Chicago communities secure money for a coveted transit project before Trump takes office
Caitlin Clark effect hasn't reversed the decades-long decline in girls basketball participation
The water was their livelihood. Now Thailand's sea nomads work to preserve a vanishing way of life
China says US is 'playing with fire' after latest military aid for Taiwan
Winter is hitting Gaza and many Palestinians have little protection from the cold
China calls Taiwan a 'red line', criticises new US military aid to island
Trump says he might demand Panama hand over canal
China's Nio says new Firefly EV to go on sale in Europe in H1 2025
Howard throws 2 TD passes to Smith to help Ohio State rout Tennessee 42-17 in CFP
JuJu Watkins and No. 7 USC hold off Paige Bueckers and fourth-ranked UConn 72-70
WASHINGTON (AP) — Billie Jean King is now the first individual female athlete to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation Thursday to recognize King for “a remarkable life devoted to championing equal rights for all, in sports and in society.”
The bill to honor King, the tennis Hall of Famer and activist, passed unanimously in the Senate and then in the House of Representatives.
The bill was introduced last September 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. The medal, awarded by Congress for distinguished achievements and contributions to society, has previously been given to athletes including baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, and golfers Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer.
King had already been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., a co-introducer of the bill, said 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.”
___
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
