Legislation offered for tribute to Billie Jean King

Sports trailblazer Billie Jean King would become the first woman athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal under legislation introduced by U.S. lawmakers, the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) said on March 29.

Sports trailblazer Billie Jean King would become the first woman athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal under legislation introduced by U.S. lawmakers, the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) said Wednesday.

The bill, sponsored by Pennsylvania Republican Brian Fitzpatrick and New Jersey Democrat Mikie Sherrill would honor "King, an American icon, in recognition of a remarkable life devoted to championing equal rights for all, in sports and in society."

Eleven male athletes and the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, which did not compete in that year's Moscow Summer Games, have received the award.

"I am honored to be considered for the Congressional Gold Medal," King said.

The move comes as tennis celebrates the 50th anniversary of equal prize money for men and women at the U.S. Open.

"Billie Jean King is an incredible athlete and unmatched trailblazer for women and girls in sports," said Fitzpatrick.

"This is a woman who has truly impacted the lives of so many," said Sherrill. "We're still not where we need to be, or want to be, but we would not be anywhere near where we are today without Billie Jean King."