Muhammad Ali and the top 5 culturally significant athletes ever

2. Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King is most famous for beating Bobby Riggs in the infamous Battle of the Sexes. The match was actually the second in a trio of matches, but King versus Riggs is without a doubt the most famous one. King’s victory over Riggs, who arrogantly said that women’s tennis was inferior to men’s tennis and that he could beat any female tennis player, is one that forever changed the landscape of tennis and society.

Back in 1973, many people did not respect women’s tennis. Women in society were still viewed as being inferior to men in virtually every way possible. King’s victory over Riggs, even though King was significantly younger than Riggs, proved that women belong on the same tennis court as men and that women’s tennis is a legitimate sport.

It’s hard to think about where tennis would be without King’s victory. It’s sad that King is most known for beating Riggs because she is arguably the greatest women’s tennis player ever. She won multiple majors and tournaments, yet few people knew who she was until she beat Riggs.

King’s victory over Riggs transcended sports. To this day, King’s victory is a statement for women everywhere that they deserve to be treated equally to men.

Next: 1. Muhammad Ali