Billie Jean King continues to make history.
The 80-year-old becomes the first individual female athlete to win the Congressional Gold Medal.
Dr. King had previously been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Barack Obama in 2009 for his advocacy work on behalf of women and the LGBTQ community.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Billie Jean King attends the 2024 New York #LWTSUMMIT on September 19, 2024 in New York City. (Bonnie Bees/Getty Images, For Lesbians in Techniques and Allies)
King joins a rare group of athletes who have received the Congressional Gold Medal.
This medal is awarded by Congress for outstanding achievements and contributions to society. This medal has previously been awarded to Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, and Arnold Palmer.
The award bill was passed in September 2023, the 50th anniversary of King's Battle of the Sexes victory over Bobby Riggs. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate.
On this day in history, September 20, 1973, tennis star Billie Jean King won the “Battle of the Sexes” in Houston.
(Both left) Jessica Pegula of the United States, former professional tennis player Billie Jean King, and Belarus pose for a photo after the 2024 U.S. Open women's singles final at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Arina Sabalenka on September 7, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York City. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
President Biden signed the bill into law on Thursday.
Dr. King relentlessly advocated for equal pay in tennis. Her efforts led to the U.S. Open becoming the first Grand Slam tournament to offer equal prize money for men and women in 1973.
In 2014, she founded the Billie Jean King Foundation, a nonprofit organization that creates an equitable future through sports, education, and activism.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Billie Jean King waves to the crowd during the 2024 U.S. Open held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York City on September 5, 2024. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
King had an impressive record, winning 39 Grand Slam titles, 12 singles titles, 16 women's doubles titles, and 11 mixed doubles titles. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.
Dr. King is also the first woman to have a major sports venue named after her. In 2006, the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, home of the US Open, was rededicated as the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
