"Born to Win is the first and only fully authorized biography of the late great Althea Gibson, the first African American to break the color line in tournament tennis. Cowritten by Frances Clayton Gray, who was Gibson's confidante and caretaker and is now executor of her estate, and journalist Yanick Rice Lamb, this authorized biography sheds new light on Gibson, from her childhood in Harlem and her ten-year reign as champion of the all-black American Tennis Association to her historic 1950 debut at Forest Hills and her momentous victories of 1957 and 1958, when she swept both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open." "This riveting account reveals how Gibson distinguished herself as a champion in a long and diverse athletic career, helping to pave a path for such modern-day sports phenomena as Tiger Woods and Venus and Serena Williams. A strong-willed child who skipped school frequently and had a reputation for being a tough girl, Gibson nevertheless developed a solid work ethic and a desire for independence - and was a natural athlete to boot. You'll follow her as she picks up a tennis racket for the first time and goes on to compete in her first tournament, setting the stage for a remarkable journey." "At 5 feet 11, Gibson had the height, speed, and reach to dazzle a crowd by returning shots that seemed guaranteed to get away, and she devised brilliant strategies to zero in on her opponents' weaknesses. She garnered international acclaim, earned numerous titles, and set records that have yet to be broken. Yet, while people of all colors celebrated her triumphs, Althea also battled discrimination, naysayers who questioned her wins, and reporters who wondered whether success was going to her head. Even as she broke barriers, others would fall into place. You'll hear from Gibson herself, as well as her family and supporters, as she faces numerous challenges that sharpen her game, strengthen her confidence, and test her resolve." "Complete with more than 35 rare photographs, some of which are being presented for the first time, Born to Win traces Althea Gibson's legacy from the hard times to the glory years, providing inspiration for generations to come."--BOOK JACKET.
