Venus Williams and her sister Serena are two of the most easily recognized players in the game and they have rocketed to national prominence over the past few years. Venus was born in 1980 and holds the records for the most Olympic gold medals for any tennis player, male or female, an accomplishment that is remarkable. Considered to be a prodigy, those that argue over which sister is better usually come up with Venus, especially when you consider just how many championships she has won.

Venus holds the record for the fastest serve, reaching speeds of 129 mph, and this is a big factor in her ability to win consistently. In 1994, Venus turned pro at the age of fourteen and quickly began racking up victories right and left. She and her sister were made for television and their story of struggle and their victories resonated deeply in the hearts of people throughout the world.

What is she doing now?

Venus briefly left the tour for medical reasons in 2008, and to get ready for the Olympics. Although she did not take home her own gold medal, Venus and Serena did win the gold for their doubles match, the second time this has occurred. Ranked as one of the top players in the world, it is clear that Venus has quite a lot of matches left in her and that she will continue to dominate the sport.

In her spare time, Venus designs clothing and recently received an Associate’s Degree in fashion design. Her designs are featured on runways throughout the world and she is also active in numerous charities and other organizations. Her company also designs home interiors, and her work has been featured on numerous design shows.

Championships:

Year Championship Opponent in Final Score in Final
2000 Wimbledon Lindsay Davenport 6–3, 7–6(3)
2000 US Open Lindsay Davenport 6–4, 7–5
2001 Wimbledon (2nd) Flag of Belgium Justine Henin 6–1, 3–6, 6–0
2001 US Open (2nd) Serena Williams 6–2, 6–4
2005 Wimbledon (3rd) Lindsay Davenport 4–6, 7–6(4), 9–7
2007 Wimbledon (4th) Marion Bartoli 6–4, 6–1
2008 Wimbledon (5th) Serena Williams 7–5, 6–4

Interesting and Inspirational Quotes:

“I just tried to stay positive and not float away mentally, ... I'm at the end of the line, I've arrived in the finals. It's good for me. Got to see what's left tomorrow. And even if there's nothing left like today, I'll still find something. I just wanted to win.”

“Of course, I want to be number one. But being happy and healthy is the most important thing.”

“If I'd lived prior to the 1980s, it would have been different, because I would have been playing to prove African Americans are equal. Now, I don't necessarily feel I have to play for black people, because obviously they're doing everything in all sports. If I can go out there and play for myself and not feel I have to stand for something other than what I want to do, that's good.”

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Athlete Profile, Female Profile, Tennis

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accomplishment, game, hearts, national prominence, olympic gold medals, prodigy, sister serena, struggle, television, tennis player, venus williams