Tennis taught me so many lessons in life. One of the things it taught me is that every ball that comes to me, I have to make a decision. I have to accept responsibility for the consequences every time I hit a ball.
Billie Jean KingRead
Ever since that day when I was 11 years old, and I wasn't allowed in a photo because I wasn't wearing a tennis skirt, I knew that I wanted to change the sport.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Billie Jean King expresses her desire to alter the landscape of tennis due to gender-based restrictions in sports.
In this quote, Billie Jean King recounts a formative moment in her childhood, illustrating how a gender-specific dress code exclusion from a photograph motivated her to advocate for change within the sport of tennis. This pivotal experience underscored the limitations imposed on women in sports and fueled her lifelong commitment to fight for equality and create opportunities for future generations of female athletes.
Themes
ChangeSportGender EqualityTennisAdvocacy
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles in sports and advocating for change.
More from Billie Jean King
All quotes →A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning.
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Natural talent only determines the limits of your athletic potential. It's dedication and a willingness to discipline your life that makes you great.
Billie Jean KingRead
I feel that tennis is an art form that is capable of moving the players and the audience - at least a knowledgeable audience-in almost sensual ways. When I'm performing at my absolute best, I think that some of the euphoria I feel must be transmitted to the audience.
Billie Jean KingRead
I like putting money back into what made my life, and tennis has been great to me.
Billie Jean KingRead
Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball.
Billie Jean KingRead
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