Billy Jean King becomes first female athlete to be awarded Congressional Gold Medal

The 80-year-old's relentless advocacy for equal pay in tennis led to the U.S. Open becoming the first Grand Slam tournament to offer men and women equal prize money in 1973.

CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL: Billie Jean King has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States Tennis Association said on Friday, becoming the first individual female athlete to receive the honour. Picture: Bonnie Biess/Getty Images for Lesbians Who Tech & Allies

Billie Jean King has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States Tennis Association said on Friday, becoming the first individual female athlete to receive the honour.

President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law on Thursday, recognising King's groundbreaking contributions both on and off the court.