GIRLS WHO GET IT-MARTINA NAVRATILOVA

1:24 PM Posted by MS.NOVA

1978 Wimbledon Champion.

Before the Williams Sisters, or Steffi Graf, before the sexy halter tops and endorsement deals, the powerhouse of women's tennis was Martina. Women's sports didn't have the flash and glamour that they do today and the focus of tennis was very much on the male athletes. But you can't deny the guts and true talent of Martina.

You might not know tennis, but check these stats: From 1982 to 1990, Martina was in the finals of every Wimbeldon. 9 times out of 12, she took the title home. She holds records for the longest winning streak (72 games), the most singles titles (162!), doubles titles (177), 18 Grand Slam titles (meaning she won thats year's US, French and Australian Opens, plus Wimbeldon) and so many more. The girl is a gangster.

She came out as a lesbian in the early 80's, when gay women were nearly invisible on the international scene. It never distracted from her game, lost her fans or overshadowed her abilities. That nerve, that courage shows the level of backbone this woman has. Since retiring, she publicly fought breast cancer and has been very politically active in the areas of animal, gay and children's rights. Hailing from Communist Czechoslovakia, Martina encourages Americans to make the most of their freedoms, especially free speech.

If I feel strongly, I say it.

I know I can do more good by being vocal than by staying quiet.

I'd have a whole lot more money if I lied, but I wouldn't enjoy spending it.

By shattering the record books of tennis, history will always remember this unreal athlete and vocal humanitarian. Martina Navratilova is a Girl Who Gets It.