Play Like Althea

Description

Born to sharecroppers in South Carolina, the family soon moved to Harlem, where young Althea Gibson excelled at ping pong before picking up her first tennis racket in 1941. She began winning local tournaments with the American Tennis Association, and won 10 straight championships from 1947-1956. Althea found it hard to rise up in the ranks due to tennis being a white-dominated sport. That is, until a white tennis player expressed outrage at Althea being exclused due to her race, and as a result, Althea was the first African American woman ever invited to play at Wimbledon in 1951.

She became a top player in the U.S., winning the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open before turning pro in 1959. Althea was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971 and she remained connected to sports the remainder of life. Althea’s determination allowed her to level the playing field in a white-dominated sport and pave the way for future athletes of color.

This classic unisex jersey short sleeve tee fits like a well-loved favorite. Soft cotton and quality print make users fall in love with it over and over again. These t-shirts have-ribbed knit collars to bolster shaping. The shoulders have taping for better fit over time. Dual side seams hold the garment’s shape for longer.

.: 100% Airlume combed and ringspun cotton (fiber content may vary for different colors)
.: Light fabric (4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²))
.: Retail fit
.: Tear away label
.: Runs true to size

Photo is public domain. [Althea Gibson, half-length portrait, holding tennis racquet] / World Telegram & Sun photo by Fred Palumbo. Library of Congress 95512217