London, May 22, 2024, The Europe Today: In a celebration of women sports role models, toy maker Mattel has introduced a new line of Barbie dolls modeled after nine exceptional female athletes, including seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams and Australian soccer player Mary Fowler. This initiative aims to highlight the significance of women in sports as the Paris Olympics approach.
Unveiled on Wednesday, the new dolls come with customized accessories that reflect each athlete’s sport. Fowler’s doll is equipped with gloves and a football, while Williams’ doll is dressed in an all-white tennis dress and visor, complete with earrings and a miniature racket.
Venus Williams, the former world number one, expressed her hope that the doll will inspire young girls to engage in sports. “I literally can’t imagine my life without sports and without the game,” Williams shared in a video, holding her likeness. “I want other young girls to have that invaluable experience of playing a sport and what it teaches you and what you learn and what you take from it, not just that moment but for the rest of your life… I think it’s so important for girls to be in sports.”
Other athletes honored with their own Barbie dolls include French boxer Estelle Mossely, Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda, Spanish doctor and paratriathlon athlete Susana Rodriguez, Italian former swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Canadian soccer player Christine Sinclair, and gymnasts Alexa Moreno from Mexico and Rebeca Andrade from Brazil.
This launch coincides with Barbie’s 65th anniversary, emphasizing the doll’s legacy in promoting empowerment and self-confidence among young girls. “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,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Mattel’s Global Head of Dolls, in a statement.
The new Barbie dolls recognize the critical role of sport in fostering ambition and self-confidence in the next generation, aiming to inspire girls worldwide to pursue their athletic dreams and realize their full potential.
