5 multi-sport athletes: When specialising in one game is too mainstream

#3 Althea Gibson: Tennis and Golf

Althea Gibson – Two different swings

In a time when racism was rife in sports as in society, Althea Gibson was the trailblazer who paved the way for many stars of the future. Yet, Gibson continued to struggle against discrimination all through her life.

Growing up in New York, she developed her tennis skills while playing paddle tennis in the streets of Harlem. With the support of her neighbours, she was able to embark on a career in tennis and played at the topmost level by the age of 23. She became the first black player ever to play in the US National Championships. She lost in a close three-set match to the reigning Wimbledon champion.

Success came in 1956 when she won the French Open. Then, in 1957, she reached the final of the Australian Open, won Wimbledon and the US Open. She became the first Wimbledon champion ever to receive the trophy from the Queen.

She defended her titles again in 1958. Despite the success, the amateur status of the competition meant that Gibson made no income through her victories. With professional tennis still years away, she initially turned to playing organised exhibitions. However, few opportunities came her way, perhaps because of her race.

In 1964, Gibson joined the Ladies Professional Golf Association. Racial discrimination continued to haunt her as she was denied entry into many hotels and golf club houses. She often had to changer her clothes in her car. She had decent success on the course, though, setting several course records and finishing 2nd in a tournament in 1970. She achieved a career high ranking of 27 in 1966.

Bonus – Gibson is only the 2nd African American to be given a ticker tape parade reception in New York City following her success at Wimbledon. The first was Jesse Owens.