Gibson, Althea

Description

Althea Gibson (1927-2003) wore this tennis outfit while winning the woman's singles title at Wimbeldon in 1957. In the match she defeated fellow American Darlene Heard.Gibson was the first African-American to play in, and win, Wimbledon. She hoisted the prestigous event's silver trophy twice, in 1957 and 1958. She was also the first black woman to play in the U.S. Tennis Championships (1950) win the U.S. Open, and complete a Grand-Slam. Gibson also broke the color barrier in professional golf when she joined the LPGA in 1964.

Record Contributed By

National Museum of American History

Record Harvested From

Smithsonian Institution