Global tennis icon Venus Williams has got her very own Barbie doll in a new range that celebrates female athletes and encourages young girls to follow in their sporting footsteps.
Nine female sports stars were chosen for the Role Model line-up, launched by Mattel as part of Barbie’s 65th anniversary.
As well as four-time Olympic gold medalist Venus Williams, the series also honors paratriathlete and doctor Susana Rodriguez, as well as Man City WFC star Mary Fowler and other sporting icons.
Williams’ doll features the tennis star wearing a white terry halter dress, a white visor and lace-up sneakers – as well as some statement gold earrings as a nod to the tennis star’s love of jewelry.
The new doll also comes with a tennis ball and a detachable tennis racket, with movable limbs so she can assume different athletic poses.
Venus Williams said she is ‘honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie’
Williams’ doll features the tennis star wearing a white terry halter dress, a white visor and white lace-up trainers – as well as some statement gold earrings
The new range of sporty Barbie dolls includes (L-R) Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Spanish paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez, French boxer Estelle Mossely and Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda
Williams doll comes with a tennis ball and a removable tennis racket, with movable limbs so she can assume different athletic poses
Mattel’s sportswomen-inspired range aims to spotlight role models within the industry and empower young women to reach their potential – a mission that resonates with Williams.
“Throughout my career, I have always been driven by the idea of breaking glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos,” said the tennis star.
“I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and to join forces with Team Barbie to empower the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams.”
Williams is in good company in the new Barbie range, along with eight other powerhouses immortalized in doll form.
Spanish paratriathlon athlete Susana Rodriguez is also in the line-up, earning a spot for her groundbreaking achievements in the sport.
Born with albinism, Rodriguez started running at the age of 10, going on to become a record-breaking athlete. She also worked as a doctor on the front lines during the pandemic, which earned her the 2021 cover of TIME magazine.
In addition to four-time Olympic gold medalist Venus Williams, the series also honors paratriathlete and doctor Susana Rodriguez
Man City star Mary Fowler has also received her own Barbie in recognition of her achievements in football
The striker has become a key player for the Australian national team Matildas and for Man City in Great Britain
“Being chosen as a Barbie role model is a source of pride for me,” Rodriguez explains.
“I hope that when girls see me and my Barbie together, they see an example of someone who can achieve their goals despite certain challenges through work, effort and, above all, self-confidence.”
Man City star Mary Fowler has also received her own Barbie in recognition of her achievements in football.
The striker has become a key player for Australian national team Matildas and for Man City in Great Britain, and at the age of 16 was the youngest player selected for the 2019 World Cup.
Fowler’s doll comes complete with her signature gloves, braided hairstyle, soccer cleats and a ball.
Fowler said of her relationship with sports: “Sports have been important to me in terms of creating my self-esteem. I think it definitely shaped me into the person I am today.
Swimmer Federica Pellegrini of Italy won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing
Boxer Estelle Mossely won gold medals at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and has held the IBO women’s lightweight title since 2019
Ewa Swoboda from Poland is a three-time medalist at the European Indoor Championships in the 60 meters
“When I look back on my journey and think of the moments where I really felt like I took a step forward in my growth as a person, they are all moments where I was challenged as an athlete.
She then continued, “The advice I like to give aspiring athletes is not to be afraid of making mistakes.”
The full line of new Barbie dolls includes soccer player Christine Sinclair (Canada), boxer Estelle Mossely (France), gymnasts Alexa Moreno (Mexico) and Rebeca Andrade (Brazil), swimmer Federica Pellegrini (Italy) and track and field sprinter Ewa. Swoboda (Poland).
Senior Vice President of Barbie and Mattel’s Global Head of Dolls, Krista Berger, said: ‘Barbie is excited to continue the celebration of the brand’s 65th anniversary by recognizing the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence and ambition in the next generation.
‘The unique sports role models serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment and individuality.
“By spotlighting these inspiring athletes and their stories, we hope to champion the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and make her dreams a reality.”