Billie Jean King always knew she could make a difference.
“When I was 7 years old, I was drying dishes. I say, ‘Mom, Mom, I’m going to do something great with my life. I know that. It’s just that I know.” Then she said, “Dry the dishes and come back, I have homework to do.”
Her mother’s reaction didn’t deter King one bit.
The tennis legend went on to win 39 Gram Slam titles. King is also the founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation, but it is her work to ensure equality that she is most proud of.
In June 1972, Title IX, a small 37-word provision of the Education Amendments of 1972, was designed to ensure that all people, regardless of gender, have equal opportunity to receive federally funded programs. it was done. This historic bill opened the floodgates for girls to participate in sanctioned sporting activities.
Immediately after the passage of Title IX, Dr. King lobbied for women to win the same amount of prize money as men at the U.S. Open. As a result of her advocacy, the tournament became the first major tennis event to offer equal prize money for men and women.
King is now part of the PBSPBS documentary film ground breakerseven great athletes come together to discuss the past, present, and future of women’s sports.
In this film, hosted by Dr. King, eight athletes discuss how their struggles and accomplishments have shaped women’s sports. With tennis player Naomi Osaka, track and field athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee, snowboarder Chloe Kim, basketball player Nancy Lieberman, gymnast Suni Lee, and soccer player Julie Foudy. Diana Flores will appear.
Mr. King pointed out the following in light of the background:Previously, the company had a profit of about 37.5%. [of what the men made]”
Executive producer Patti Ivins Specht says of the format in which the athletes, one retired and the other still competing, talk to each other.[The] The concept of mixing generations gave us the opportunity to find the best voices and have conversations. It feels like you’re sitting with a friend and they’re telling you part of their life story. ”
She added: “When I look at Suni and Chloe, [in the film] There are moments like this, [where they realize that] The path they are walking is easier. [Billie Jean and Julie Foudy] I walked. It’s really powerful to see that growth. ”
King interjected: “I don’t think you feel alone either. I think you feel like each generation is a continuum. I feel connected to the older generation. I feel connected to the younger generation.” I love that it’s a stepping stone for each generation to move up or forward.”
That’s the whole point of making this film, King says. “I want to touch different generations.”
As for what’s to come next, King is still very excited about the progress he’s seen so far. “It’s just amazing what’s going on. This is what I’ve been waiting for my whole life and I’m glad I’m still alive to see this.”
King has made it clear that he doesn’t care about how he will be remembered, declaring, “I think other people will decide what my legacy is.”
Of her lifelong journey as both an athlete and an activist, she says: At the age of 12, I vowed to myself that I would fight for equality for the rest of my life. I love showing that female athletes can make a positive difference. It gives us strength. It gives us leadership. It gives us all the important things in life to be confident and live a great life. I’ve had a great life. ”
“Groundbreakers” will premiere on PBS on Nov. 21 at 8 p.m., and will be available to stream on the PBS app shortly thereafter.
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