In 2016, Althea Gibson and her tennis championships are seldom seen or discussed on television, since they occurred more than 60 years ago.
But if you're a fan of John Wayne and his movie, 'The Horse Soldiers' (1959), you'll see Althea Gibson in one of her many roles in life, this time, as an actress playing Lukie.
Gibson was a The 1950s were a busy time for Gibson. She was an American tennis player, professional golfer, and the first black athlete to cross the color line of international tennis.
In 1956, she became the first person of color to win the French Open. The following year she won both Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (precursor of the U.S. Open), then won both again in 1958. She was voted Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press in both years.
Gibson won 11 Grand Slam tournaments. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame.
"She is one of the greatest players who ever lived," said Robert Ryland, a tennis contemporary and former coach of Venus and Serena Williams.
In the early 1960s Gibson became the first black player to compete on the women's professional golf tour.
At a time when racism and prejudice were widespread in sports and in society, Gibson was sometimes compared to baseball player Jackie Robinson.
Venus Williams writes: "I am honored to have followed in such great footsteps. She set the stage for my success, and through players like myself, Serena and many others to come, her legacy will live on."