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Venus Williams biography

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Venus Williams rose from a tough childhood in Compton, Los Angeles to become a champion women's tennis player and four-time Olympic gold medalist.


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Their parents continue to coach them.

In recent years, Williams has struggled with injuries—she competed in only a handful of tournaments in 2006—but returned to form in 2007, winning the singles title at Wimbledon. She repeated the victory a year later, when she defeated Serena for a fifth career Wimbledon championship, placing her fifth all-time in women's Wimbledon singles championships. A few months later,

the Williams sisters teamed up to capture the doubles title at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

At the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, held in London, Williams and sister Serena won gold in women's doubles against Czech Republic tennis stars Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka. The victory brough both her and Serena's Olympic gold medal count to four.

Off the Court Pursuits

Off the court, Venus Williams has cultivated a varied number of pursuits. She's pursued art classes, and earned a certificate in interior design. She has started her clothing line called "EleVen" as well as a collection of women's apparel for Wilson's Leather. In addition, she has launched her own interior design company, V Starr Interiors, which works on residential projects throughout the country.

Williams has also been active in a number of social causes, including working closely with UNESCO on promoting gender equality throughout the world.

Williams lives in Palm Beach, Florida, with her sister Serena and their two dogs, a Jack Russell terrier and a Maltese.

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