Thursday, 21 November 2024

Althea Gibson

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Athletes 2024
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Tennis
Statistics: 5 Singles Grand Slams
1 French Open Singles Title (1956)
2 Wimbledon Singles Titles (1957 & 1958)
2 U.S. Open Singles Titles (1957 & 1958)
5 Doubles Grand Slams
1 Australian Open Doubles Title (1957)
1 French Open Doubles Title (1956)
3 Wimbledon Doubles Titles (1956, 1957 & 1958)
1 Mixed Doubles Grand Slam
1 U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Titles (1957)
2 AP Female Athlete of the Year Awards (1957 & 1958)
Member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame
It has been said that Althea Gibson was to women’s tennis, what Jackie Robinson was to Baseball.

An up-and-coming player in the 1940s, it was evident that Gibson was deserving of an opportunity to play at the U.S. Open. However, she could not qualify as many tennis clubs did not allow African-Americans to play at those tournaments and earn the points to qualify. It took an open letter from Alice Marble, a former champion, to shame the ATA officials into allowing Gibson in.

Year by year, Gibson broke down barriers, competing worldwide and often as the first African-American to do so. Gibson broke through by winning the French Open in 1956, and in 1957 and 1958, she won both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Gibson would later join the LPGA, but again she faced discrimination at many of the country clubs, though barriers were broken, and she made it easier for many other women of color to follow in her footsteps.

We are proud to nominate Althea Gibson for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

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