Global tennis icon Venus Williams has received her own Barbie doll in a new range that champions female athletes and encourages young girls to follow in her sporting footsteps.
Nine female sports stars were chosen for the Role Model line, which Mattel launched as part of Barbie’s 65th anniversary celebrations.
In addition to four-time Olympic gold medal winner Venus Williams, the course also pays tribute to paratriathlete and doctor Susana Rodríguez, as well as Manchester City WFC star Mary Fowler, among other sporting icons.
Williams’ doll features the tennis star wearing a white plush halterneck dress, a white visor and lace-up sneakers, as well as 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 removable tennis racket, with movable limbs so she can perform various athletic poses.
Venus Williams said she is “honored to be recognized as a sports model and join forces with Team Barbie.”
Williams’ doll features the tennis star wearing a white plush dress, a white visor and white lace-up sneakers, as well as statement gold earrings.
The new line of sports Barbie dolls includes (LR) Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Spanish paratriathlete Susana Rodríguez, 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 perform various athletic poses.
Mattel’s athlete-inspired range aims to highlight role models within the industry and empower young women to achieve their potential, a mission that resonates with Williams.
“Throughout my career, I have always been driven by the idea of breaking glass ceilings and being true to myself, and Barbie’s mission could not resonate more deeply with that spirit,” the tennis star said.
“I am honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of girls to never stop believing in their dreams.”
Williams is in good company in the new Barbie range, with eight other powerful athletes immortalized in doll form.
Spanish paratriathlon athlete Susana Rodríguez is also in the lineup, earning a spot for her momentous achievements in the sport.
Rodríguez was born with albinism and began running at age 10, becoming a record-breaking athlete. She also worked as a doctor on the front lines during the pandemic, earning her the cover of TIME magazine in 2021.
In addition to four-time Olympic gold medal winner Venus Williams, the course also honors paratriathlete and doctor Susana Rodríguez.
Manchester City star Mary Fowler also received her own Barbie in recognition of her achievements in football.
The striker has become a key player for the Australian national team, the Matildas, as well as Man City in the United Kingdom.
“Being chosen as a Barbie role model is a source of pride for me,” Rodríguez explained.
‘I hope that girls, when they see me and my Barbie together, see an example of someone who, despite having certain challenges, can achieve their goals through work, effort and, above all, self-confidence.’
Manchester City star Mary Fowler also received her own Barbie in recognition of her achievements in football.
The striker has become a key player for the Australian national team, the Matildas, as well as UK side Man City, and was the youngest player to be selected for the FIFA World Cup in 2019, aged just 16. .
Fowler doll comes complete with her signature gloves, bubble braid hairstyle, soccer boots and a ball.
Fowler said of his relationship with sport: “Sport has been important to me in terms of creating my sense of identity.” I think it has definitely made me the person I am today.
Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Boxer Estelle Mossely won gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has held the IBO women’s lightweight title since 2019.
Ewa Swoboda of Poland is a three-time medalist at the European Indoor Championships in the 60 meters
‘If I look back on my journey and think about the moments where I really felt like I took a step forward in my growth as a person, they have all been moments where I was challenged as an athlete.
He then continued: “The advice I like to give to aspiring athletes is to not be afraid to make mistakes.”
The full line of new Barbie role model 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).
Barbie Senior Vice President and Mattel Global Head of Dolls Krista Berger said: “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 one-of-a-kind sports dolls serve as the embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment and individuality.
“By shedding light on these inspiring athletes and their stories, we hope to uphold the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue their passions and turn their dreams into reality.”
