Billie Jean King Becomes First Female Athlete On Walk of Fame

Tennis icon and champion for equality, Billie Jean King, has received a significant accolade this week with the unveiling of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This notable event marks her as the first woman to be honoured in the newly established sports entertainment category, which was introduced in 2023 to recognise the contributions of athletes to the entertainment sector.

Commenting on being placed on the walk of fame, King, said: “Words cannot express how honored and grateful I am to receive this star.”

“I may be the first woman to be awarded a star in this category, but I’m certainly not going to be the last,” she said.

The unveiling took place on Monday, with King’s star being the 2,807th addition to the famed Walk of Fame, located at the bustling intersection of Hollywood and Vine.

The ceremony featured notable figures including former NBA player, Magic Johnson, and Academy Award-winning actress, Jamie Lee Curtis, who were present to help reveal the tribute to King’s illustrious career.

Among the attendees were fellow tennis champion Maria Sharapova, as well as King’s contemporaries Rosie Casals and Julie Anthony, highlighting the impact King has had on both the sport and her peers.

This honour adds to a series of groundbreaking recognitions for the 81-year-old trailblazer, where last September, she made history as the first individual female athlete to receive a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Congress. 

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