London: Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams and Australian soccer sensation Mary Fowler are among a select group of nine athletes to receive the honor of having their own Barbie dolls. This initiative by toy giant Mattel aims to celebrate and highlight women sports role models in anticipation of the Paris Olympics.
Unveiled on Wednesday, each doll is meticulously crafted to resemble its real-life counterpart, complete with bespoke accessories. Fowler’s doll sports gloves and holds a football, while Williams’ doll, adorned in a sleek all-white tennis dress and visor, comes equipped with a miniature racket.
In a touching video accompanying the release, the former world number one expressed her hope that the doll would inspire young girls to pursue sports. “I literally can’t imagine my life without sports and without the game,” Williams stated, clutching the miniature version of herself. “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.”
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Joining Williams and Fowler are a diverse array of sports figures, including French boxer Estelle Mossely, Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda, Spanish doctor and paratriathlon athlete Susana Rodriguez, Italian former swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair, and Mexican and Brazilian gymnasts Alexa Moreno and Rebeca Andrade.
These dolls, revealed as Barbie commemorates its 65th anniversary this year, symbolize the profound impact of sports in nurturing self-confidence and ambition among the next generation. Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and Mattel’s Global Head of Dolls, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “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.”
