Multiple grand slam champion Billie Jean King has been recognized for her contribution to sport by being awarded a lifetime achievement award at 2018 BBC Sports Personality Of The Year ceremony.
King was given the honour for her work both on and off the court. As a player, the American won a total of 39 grand slam titles over a 19-year period between 1961-1980. 12 of those titles were in singles competition. In total she won 129 singles trophies on the tour. As well as her sporting ability, King was an instrumental figure in the fight for equality in tennis and continues to be. In 1973 she won the infamous ‘battle of the sexes’ match against Bobby Riggs before going on to be the founder of the WTA Tour.
“Billie Jean is not just an inspiration for me, but I think for lots of athletes.” Former world No.1 Andy Murray said in a special tribute.
“She stood up for what she believed in. That certainly impacted future generations a lot.”
King is the first female player in history to have won more than $100,000 in prize money. Doing so in 1971. Overall, she won a total of $1,966,487 before retiring. King is the first woman to co-ed pro sports team (Philadelphia Freedoms, WorldTeamTennis 1974), first to be made commissioner in professional sports history (WorldTeamTennis, 1984) and was the first to have a major sports venue name in her honour (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center).
“I like to thank everyone at the BBC for this lifetime achievement award and for including me in this historic evening.” An emotional King said during the trophy presentation.
“This part of the world (the UK) has played a major role in my life and in my career. I won my first national championship at the Irish Open in 1963 and I won my final Professional tour title in Birmingham in 1983.”
It was at The All England Club where the 75-year-old won more than half of her major titles. Claiming six trophies in singles, 10 in women’s doubles, and four in mixed doubles. In the history of the tournament, no other player has won more titles than King. Martina Navratilova also won a total of 20 titles at SW19.
“Next year I will be going to Wimbledon for the 59th year in a row. It is like a second home for me.” Said King.
“We never achieve success alone. I’ve been really fortunate to have the support of my partner, my family, coaches, friends, players and the people of my home town.”
Known for her campaigning for equal rights, King said she was first inspired to fight for the cause as a teenager growing up. Citing inspiration from Althea Gibson. The first black player to ever win a Wimbledon title back in 1957.
“At 12, I had an epiphany whilst sitting at the Los Angeles Tennis Club. Everybody who played played in white shoes, white clothes, played with white tennis balls and everybody that played was white. I asked myself ‘where is everybody else?’” She said.
“From that moment on, I committed myself to fight for equality and inclusion of all for the rest of my life.”
King is the third tennis player in history to win the BBC lifetime achievement award. Following in the footsteps of Navratilova (2003) and Bjorn Borg (2006).
