Billie Jean King (tennis player)

Billie Jean King is a legendary American tennis player and advocate for gender equality in sports. Born in 1943, she won 39 Grand Slam singles and doubles titles, including 12 singles championships. King is famous for her role in the "Battle of the Sexes," a 1973 match against Bobby Riggs, which she won and symbolized a major victory for women in sports. Beyond her athletic achievements, she has been a tireless advocate for women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues, co-founding the Women's Tennis Association and establishing the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative to promote equality and inclusion in sports and society.