Una Janus A.

Sibayan October 28, 2019

MEB22 Prof. Gil Ellema
“Activity: My Idol of Virtue”

Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King was the top-ranked women’s tennis player way back in 1967. She was
born on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California. She formed the Women’s Tennis
Association (WTA) and defeated Bobby Rigs in the “Battle of the Sexes”. She became the first
female athlete to top 100,000 US Dollars in prize money in a single year. When she spearheaded
her foundation, WTA, she threatened to boycott the 1973 U.S. Open if the pay inequality for men
and women was not addressed. It was an oppressing issue back in her time wherein she fought
against the discrimination of women and society’s brutal standards against them. In the end, she
won the protest and made the U.S. Open the first major tournament to offer equal prize money to
men and women. The following year, she and her husband founded the World Team Tennis (WTT)
co-ed recruit and became one of the first women to coach professional male athletes.
 Hope is defined as a combination of desire for something and expectation of receiving it.
She gave hope to her fellow female athletes who were experiencing gender inequality especially
during her time. She is one of the known feminist activists who fought for the rights of women.
King used her voice and influence to strive for the better treatment of women not only in sports
but also in society. She became the light and a prime example not only to many young female
athletes who were struggling to reach their dreams but also to just about anyone, regardless of
gender, to fight for what is due to them. She also gave justice, especially to female athletes of her
time. The inequality of payment because of gender was slowly demolished because of her
movement and initiative, not solely for her own gain, but also for the benefit of others.

Billie Jean King is my idol of virtue not only because I used to be in sports and felt the
same way as hers, gender inequality in the workplace, but also because she was one of the pioneers
of the feminist movement. She created a foundation and instilled in the minds of every women that
we can also do things as great as men or sometimes maybe even better. Her actions not only
empowered women but also created a great impact that is still carried out today in our society. She
used her voice to standup for what is right instead of using it for her own benefit. King made
everyone realize just how much women in sports should be acknowledged and supported the same
way as men.

References:
(1) Ott, Tim. “Billie Jean King.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 13 Apr.
2019, https://www.biography.com/athlete/billie-jean-king.
(2) The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Billie Jean King.” Encyclopædia Britannica,
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 25 Sept. 2019,
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Billie-Jean-King.