The Guardian · California · Original story
Billie Jean King graduates from college at age 82 after leaving for tennis: ‘Yeah baby, only 61 years!’
King distinguished herself as a tennis champ at Cal State Los Angeles, winning Wimbledon doubles while enrolled
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When Billie Jean King left college in 1964, she had a purpose. Within a few years, she had become the top-ranked tennis professional in the world. Over a trailblazing career, she won 39 championships, a Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Congressional Gold Medal – all while pushing publicly for gender and pay equality.
Last year, she finally returned to finish the degree in history she started more than six decades ago. On Monday, she graduated at 82 years old.
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Roque Planas · Tue, May 19, 2026, 11:15 AM
California | The Guardian
King distinguished herself as a tennis champ at Cal State Los Angeles, winning Wimbledon doubles while enrolled
When Billie Jean King left college in 1964, she had a purpose. Within a few years, she had become the top-ranked tennis professional in the world. Over a trailblazing career, she won 39 championships, a Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Congressional Gold Medal – all while pushing publicly for gender and pay equality.
Last year, she finally returned to finish the degree in history she started more than six decades ago. On Monday, she graduated at 82 years old.
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