Barbie, a brand renowned for celebrating trailblazing women, has unveiled a new collection of dolls honoring nine extraordinary female athletes, including tennis icon Venus Williams. This project is a testament to Barbie’s mission of inspiring young girls and championing the achievements of women in sports.
Alongside four-time Olympic gold medalist Venus Williams, the collection features a diverse group of athletes from various disciplines:
* Gymnasts: Rebeca Andrade and Alexa Moreno
* Footballers: Mary Fowler and Christine Sinclair
* Boxer: Estelle Mossely
* Swimmer: Federica Pellegrini
* Paratriathlete: Susana Rodriguez
* Sprinter: Ewa Swoboda
Venus Williams, who has won an impressive seven Grand Slam singles tennis titles, expressed her alignment with Barbie’s mission, stating, “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.”
Mattel’s Krista Berger emphasized the importance of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation, underscoring Barbie’s commitment to honoring trailblazing women.
Barbie has a rich history of celebrating women who have made significant contributions in various fields. Last year, on International Women’s Day, Mattel paid tribute to several notable leaders in STEM by creating dolls in their likeness. Among those honored were Susan Wojcicki, the longtime CEO of YouTube, and British scientist Sarah Gilbert, who played a pivotal role in developing the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
The new collection of Barbie dolls honoring female athletes serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the power of women in sports. It is a testament to Barbie’s ongoing commitment to empowering young girls and celebrating the achievements of women who are breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
