Recorded July 2024 (One of our first ever episodes!) Althea Gibson: A champion against the odds In this episode, hosts Simon and Vicky dive into the inspiring life and career of Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament. They explore her challenging upbringing in a sharecropping family, her move to Harlem, and the various obstacles she overcame due to segregation and racism. Despite numerous barriers, Gibson excelled in tennis, winning prestigious titles like Wimbledon and the US Open, and becoming a trailblazer for future generations. The episode also touches on the societal context of her era, her subsequent efforts to mentor young athletes, and her lasting legacy in the world of sports.Book referenced: I always wanted to be somebody, Gibson (1958)00:00 Getting Started: Introduction and Excitement00:29 Introducing Althea Gibson02:56 The Harsh Realities of Sharecropping04:42 Althea's Early Life and Move to Harlem08:38 Discovering Paddle Tennis12:08 Rising Through the Ranks13:27 Breaking Barriers in Tennis15:23 The Hidden Barriers in Tennis15:56 Modern Voter Suppression Tactics16:17 A Heated Debate on Voting Systems18:31 Althea Gibson's Historic Invitation19:29 Triumphs and Challenges Abroad20:44 Dominating the Grand Slams23:14 The Harsh Realities of Amateur Tennis26:23 A Legacy Beyond Tennis29:50 Honoring Althea Gibson's Impact31:28 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

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