Billie Jean King Goes for Comfort on the FNAA 2024 Red Carpet in Athletic Sneakers to Honor Adidas CEO Bjórn Gulden
Amina Ayoud
Assistant Digital Editor
Former tennis superstar Billie Jean King graced the red carpet at the FN Achievement Awards held tonight at Cipriani South Street in New York. King will be presenting the award for Person of the Year to Adidas CEO Bjórn Gulden.
The star athlete went for comfort in a pair of simple black sneakers. Although they were hard to see beneath the hem of her trousers, the style included jet-black mesh uppers and coordinating black rubber soles that offered a non-slip feel. Lace-up closures likely rounded out the set.
King and Adidas have had a storied relationship over the years. The tennis star could often be found wearing blue suede Adidas sneakers during her matches in the early 1970s. She went on to make the shoes famous during her pivotal 1973 Battle of the Sexes match against Bobby Riggs.
Accompanying her sporty footwear, King wore a black blazer with white speckles throughout worn over a black long-sleeve shirt and tailored black suiting trousers. A string of chunky pearls sat around her neck.
Watch on FN
The iconic tennis star is a pioneer for equality in women’s sports. Back in 2023, she starred in an Adidas ad spot via voiceover. In 1972, King stood in front of Congress to testify on behalf of Title IX for girls and women to advance in their sport.
When Title IX passed that year, it ended discrimination based on sex and remains one of the few laws that grants women equality in America. Following this win, she created the Women’s Sports Foundation to protect the sports side of Title IX in 1974.
For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram.
