Billie Jean King earned an honorary degree from the University of Oxford on Wednesday, capping off a summer of academic milestones.
How Old Is Oxford's Newest Honoree Billie Jean King?
The 82-year-old Hall of Famer was one of nine recipients honored at the Sheldonian Theatre during Oxford's centuries-old Encaenia ceremony. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern and award-winning filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr. were also among those recognized.
Before the ceremony, a procession of dignitaries and recipients walked through the city. Then honorees signed the Honorary Degrees Book at the Divinity School. Because of an ongoing heatwave, Oxford relaxed its traditional dress code, making jackets and gowns optional. The university also put in "additional measures" to "help guests manage the heat."
"Education, at any age, is a powerful tool and we must always keep learning and learning how to learn," King said, calling the recognition an "honor and a privilege."
The UK ceremony came just one month after King celebrated her college graduation at California State University, Los Angeles. She earned a bachelor's degree in history, 65 years after first enrolling in 1961.
King had previously paused her education to build her storied tennis career. She went on to win 39 Grand Slam titles across both singles and doubles competitions. She also defeated Bobby Riggs in the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes," marking a historic moment for gender equality in sports.
