Great Lives

Arthur Ashe

Apr 4, 2023

Arthur Ashe, the first African American tennis player to win the US Open and Wimbledon, is discussed in this podcast. The topics covered include Ashe's challenging journey in a segregated tennis world, his fight for racial equality, his response to racial perception, and his brave advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness.

27:37

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Arthur Ashe

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Quick takeaways

Arthur Ashe's calm and elegant approach in tennis serves as a reminder of alternative ways to be a champion and leader.

Arthur Ashe's journey as a trailblazer and his conduct make him an icon worthy of recognition and celebration.

Deep dives

Arthur Ashe: A Champion with Grace and Dignity

Arthur Ashe, the Wimbledon champion of 1975, demonstrated a remarkable belief in his own ability despite being considered the underdog. He possessed a stoic demeanor on the court and refused to let his opponent, Jimmy Connors, get inside his head. Ashe's calmness and ability to relax during matches were noticeable traits. His composure stood in stark contrast to the showmanship often associated with athletes. In a world filled with demonstrative heroes, Ashe's quiet and elegant approach serves as a reminder of alternative ways to be a champion and a leader.

Introduction

2min

Arthur Ashe: A Champion in Adversity

14min

Arthur Ashe's Early Life and Tennis Journey

4min

Arthur Ashe's Struggle for Racial Equality

4min

Arthur Ashe's Response to Racial Perception and Identity

2min

Arthur Ashe's Struggle with HIV/AIDS and Advocacy

3min

Broadcaster Qasa Alom chooses the first African American tennis player to win the US Open and Wimbledon, Arthur Ashe.

Arthur Ashe was born in Richmond, Virginia, a state in the US that in 1943 was still part of the segregated south. If Arthur wanted to compete with white players, he had to leave for St Louis and then California to play. His story is staggering, and not just his success in a notoriously elitist sport. His mother died when he was six, he had a heart attack when he was 36, and he died of AIDS when he was just 49, contracted from a tainted blood confusion.

Film maker and broadcaster Qasa Alom grew up loving Rafa Nadal. Then Ashe's story blew him away. "In a world where we have so many demonstrative heroes, in sport, in politics, the extrovert who is shouting the loudest often gets heard. There's a really good opportunity here to showcase other ways of being a champion, and Arthur Ashe for me is certainly that person."

Programme contains historic interviews, including Arthur Ashe talking to Anthony Clare for In The Psychiatrists Chair shortly after his first heart attack. Also includes a new interview with Raymond Arsenault, American author of Arthur Ashe: A Life.

Presenter: Matthew Parris

Producer: Miles Warde

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2023.

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Great Lives

Arthur Ashe

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Arthur Ashe: A Champion with Grace and Dignity

The Inspiring Trailblazer: Arthur Ashe's Personal and Sporting Achievements

A Life of Resilience: Arthur Ashe's Triumphs and Tragedies

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts