Althea Gibson

tennis · sports history · barrier breaker · champion

First Black Grand Slam winner. In 1956, Althea Gibson became the first Black player to win a Grand Slam tennis event, breaking down a major barrier in professional sports.

Won Wimbledon twice. She won the prestigious Wimbledon championship in both 1957 and 1958, cementing her place as one of the game's all-time greats.

Collected 11 Grand Slam titles. Across her tennis career, Gibson won five singles titles, five doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title in the biggest tournaments in the world.

Female Athlete of the Year. The Associated Press voted her Female Athlete of the Year in both 1957 and 1958, recognizing her extraordinary achievements.

Pioneered professional golf too. In the early 1960s, Gibson also became the first Black player to compete in the Ladies Professional Golf Association, showing her talent extended beyond tennis.