Arthur Ashe's Wimbledon Triumph and Struggle Against Apartheid in South Africa
A baker's-dozen of insight crammed into one ring.
Summary
The article discusses Arthur Ashe's victory at Wimbledon and his struggle with South Africa's apartheid regime in the 1970s. Ashe faced visa issues due to his outspoken remarks against racial segregation. He aimed to be remembered for his fight against racism, not just his tennis achievements.
Key quotes
· 8 pulledThe white-minority government there had legalized an extreme system of racial segregation, known as apartheid - or apartness - in 1948.
The authorities said the decision to bar him was based on his 'general antagonism' and outspoken remarks about South Africa.
In 1973, the government of South Africa finally granted Ashe a visa to enter the country.
I am more proud of being a former Wimbledon champion than anything else in my life.
I don't want to be remembered for my tennis accomplishments.
I want to be remembered for my contribution to society.
I'm more interested in changing the world than winning a Grand Slam.
I'm more interested in changing the world than winning a Grand Slam.
You might also wanna read
Illinois lawmakers push last-minute publicly owned stadium plan to keep Chicago Bears from leaving state
Illinois lawmakers are scrambling on the last day of their spring session to craft a last-minute plan to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois
chicagotribune.com·12h ago
Paris mayor condemns post-PSG victory unrest and social media 'staging'
Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire condemned the post-victory unrest following PSG's Champions League final win, noting that while most celebrati
l.leparisien.fr·15h ago
Joe Rogan urges Trump to add roof to UFC White House arena over weather concerns
Joe Rogan has publicly urged President Donald Trump to add a roof to the UFC White House arena being constructed on the South Lawn, citing c
irishstar.com·15h ago
Illinois Bears stadium incentive bill stalls in Senate with one day left in legislative session
Legislation to provide property-tax incentives to keep the Chicago Bears from relocating to Hammond, Indiana stalled in the Illinois Senate
chicago.suntimes.com·23h ago
Transgender athlete AB Hernandez places third at CIF state long jump championship, earns medal amid ongoing controversy
Jurupa Valley senior AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete, placed third in the CIF state championship long jump on Saturday, earning a medal
latimes.com·1d ago
How soccer's origins in 19th-century English boarding schools shaped the global game
An expert on global history and author of a 2025 book traces the origins of modern soccer (association football) to the well-heeled boarding
theconversation.com·1d ago