Barbie recognizes all female role models. The Inspiring Women Series pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time – courageous women who took risks, changed rules and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before. Born in Long Beach, California, Billie Jean King grew up playing tennis and sharpening her skills at local public parks. In 1961, she won her first major championship title, followed by a series of spectacular victories throughout her legendary career. In 1961, tennis pro billie jean king won her first major championship title, followed by a series of spectacular victories throughout her career. Off the court, billie jean tirelessly championed women's equality in sports. Her game-changing strides for social justice earned her the presidential medal of freedom. In 1973, during a globally televised match hailed as the battle of the sexes, she defeated a formidable male rival and proved a woman's place was hers to decide. Billie jean king barbie doll wears a two-tone blue and mint-green tennis dress inspired by what she wore during her legendary match. Blue tennis shoes, a wilson racket and ball complete her look.