Billie Jean King is now the first individual woman athlete to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal! Bestowed by the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal recognizes national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions that have a lasting effect in the recipient’s field long after the achievement itself.
Introduced in September 2023, the bill was passed by the U.S. Senate in early 2024 and the House of Representatives followed suit a few months later. The bill was signed into law by President Biden on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
WSF was proud to join in a collaborative effort with our partners USTA, and YOU, to achieve our goal to #GetBJKTheGold. We can’t think of anyone more deserving than tennis legend, gender equity and civil rights icon, and Women’s Sports Foundation Founder, Billie Jean King.