Billie Jean King, formally Billie Jean Moffitt, is an American icon. She was born in 1943, native of California. She has had a successful career. King has won several titles including singles, doubles and mixed doubles. She also won the U.S Open on all four different surfaces—grass, clay, carpet and hard. However, King may be best remembered as the lady that defeated Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes”. Riggs was one of the leading male talents in the 30s and 40s in tennis. Not only is King admired for her tennis skills, she is also an advocate in women’s rights from sports as well as in society. King was also famous for being the first athlete to admit she has had a lesbian relationship. She is 64 years old.
King was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She has founded several origination’s. The Donnelly Award is a scholarship designed for tennis players that have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Overall, King has founded 9 origination’s. She is also a spokesman that offers support and advice for individuals dealing with diabetes and what they can accomplish with this disease.
