With the Wimbledon Championships underway, we look back at the remarkable legacy of British-Jewish tennis pioneer Angela Buxton (1934–2020), whose historic triumph 70 years ago this year remains a powerful story of excellence and solidarity.
Born in Liverpool to Jewish parents who fled the Russian pogroms, Buxton faced considerable antisemitic exclusion from prominent clubs during her rise in the tennis world. Undeterred, she became one of the top players in the world, reaching the Wimbledon Singles Final in 1956.
However, her most enduring legacy was forged on the doubles court alongside her close friend and partner, Althea Gibson – the first Black athlete to win a singles Grand Slam. Bound by their shared experience of prejudice and isolation within the sport, the two outsiders formed an unstoppable partnership, capturing both the French Open and the Wimbledon Doubles titles in 1956.
Their historic win was more than an athletic milestone; it was a triumphant stand against exclusion, proving that the highest peaks of sport belong to everyone.
As we watch the courts at SW19 this fortnight, the LBI London celebrates Angela Buxton’s courage, her brilliant athleticism, and her lifelong dedication to breaking down barriers in sport.
Image: Terry Fincher - Original publication: unknown. Immediate source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/26/sports/tennis/angela-buxton-dead.html
