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Billie Jean King makes history as the first individual female athlete to be awarded Congressional Gold Medal [Video]

Billie Jean King keeps making history. 

The 80-year-old will become the first individual female athlete to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. 

King had already been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by former President Obama for her advocacy work on behalf of women and the LGBTQ community.

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King joins a rare class of athletes who have been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. 

The medal is awarded by Congress for distinguished achievements and contributions to society. The medal has been previously given to Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer. 

Legislation for the award passed in September 2023 on the 50th anniversary of King’s victory over Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes.” The bill passed unanimously in the Senate. 

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1973, TENNIS STAR BILLIE JEAN KING WINS ‘BATTLE OF THE SEXES’ IN HOUSTON

President Bidensigned the …

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