Iconic Athletes Honoured With One-Of-A-Kind Barbie Dolls

Sports stars and legends like Venus Williams and Mary Fowler have been honored with one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls to demonstrate to the next generation that anything is possible.

Ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Mattel has produced dolls in the likeness of nine female athletes from around the world to highlight the stories of sporting role models who have broken barriers in their sector and to encourage young girls to continue to stay inspired.

Venus Williams, a US tennis star, said she was “honoured” to be recognized as a sports role model and will “join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams”.

The five-time Wimbledon champion said: “I never thought I would be made as a Barbie doll so this moment for me is top of my dreams. Getting the opportunity to share my life and my story and pass on my knowledge and experiences, for me, is icing on the cake.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos.”

Williams’ Barbie doll is clothed in tennis whites and comes with a small racket and ball, as well as gold earrings.

Manchester City striker; Mary Fowler, whose Barbie doll has her favorite football boots and bubble braid hairstyle, stated that athletics have “definitely shaped (her) into the person (she) is today”.

“Sport has been important to me in terms of developing my sense of self,” the Australian professional footballer remarked.

“The advice I like to give to aspiring athletes is to not be afraid of making mistakes.”

Mattel is also honouring Spanish doctor and para-triathlete Susana Rodriguez, French boxer and 2016 Olympic champion Estelle Mossely, and Italian former swimmer and Olympic gold winner Federica Pellegrini.

The iconic company, which is celebrating Barbie’s 65th anniversary this year, is also collaborating with Voice In Sport to keep girls involved in sports through mentorship opportunities. Krista Berger, Barbie’s senior vice president and Mattel’s Global Head of Dolls, stated, “Barbie is thrilled to continue the brand’s 65th-anniversary celebration by recognizing the impact of sport in fostering self-confidence and ambition among the next generation.

“The sports one-of-a-kind role model dolls serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment, and individuality.

“By shining a light on these inspirational athletes and their stories, we hope to champion the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and turn her dreams into reality.”

Congratulations to them all.