[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING GLADYS HELDMAN

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                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2003

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, last month our country lost a 
pioneer in women's sports. Gladys Heldman was an instrumental figure in 
the formation of women's professional tennis, responsible for the 
creation of a professional women's tennis tour. Gladys died on June 22 
at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was 81.
  At the age of 25, Gladys began playing amateur tennis, and found her 
passion. Gladys earned a reputation as a tough and tenacious 
competitor. At one point she was ranked number one in Texas. She 
competed in the United States National Championships four times, which 
are now known as the US open, and once at Wimbledon.
  Not just an exceptional athlete, Gladys was a towering mind. She 
graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University. She applied her 
intelligence and drive to her passion of tennis.
  In 1953, Gladys founded World Tennis magazine. In the early years of 
the magazines publication, Gladys functioned in all the capacities of a 
magazine staff, from editor-in-chief to publisher. Using this magazine, 
Gladys became an indomitable force as an advocate for women's tennis. 
In 1970, she single-handedly formed the first women's professional 
tour, which included the likes of such star female tennis players as 
Billie Jean King. She asked the top female players to sign $1 contracts 
with her magazine, making them professional players, and arranged a 
tournament at the Houston Racquet club. Her close friend, Joseph 
Cullman, donated prize money, and sponsored 5 further tournaments. 
Despite obstacles and opposition, this tour evolved into the Virginia 
Slims Tour, known today as the W.T.A. Tour.
  Gladys was a pioneer in professional women's sports. Without Gladys, 
women's tennis would not be what it is today. In 1979, Gladys was 
recognized for her personal accomplishments and achievements for the 
field of women's professional tennis when she was inducted into the 
International Tennis Hall of Fame. Gladys was a remarkable person whose 
compassion, respect, and talent for her work have served as a model for 
others. Though she is gone, she will never be forgotten.
  My wife and I were honored to be personal friends of the Heldmans and 
celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with them. Her passing leaves 
a void in our lives. Gladys is survived by her husband, Julius, her 
daughters Carrie and Julia, her three grandchildren, and her two great-
grandchildren. I extend my deep condolences to the Heldman family and 
all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

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