William Simpson
Mattel is launching nine new Barbie dolls representing some of the world’s most famous female athletes, including tennis star Venus Williams and Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair. The nine dolls are part of the brand’s ongoing celebration of Barbie’s 65th birthday.
“Barbie is excited to continue the brand’s 65th anniversary celebration, recognizing the impact of sports in promoting self-confidence, ambition and empowerment among the next generation,” said Krista Berger, Barbie senior vice president and global head of Mattel dolls. he said in a statement Wednesday. “By shining a 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.”
Unique dolls will not be available for purchase. Other athletes honored with Barbie dolls in their image are Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, Mexican gymnast Alexa Moreno, Australian football player Mary Fowler, French boxer Estelle Mossely, Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Spanish paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez and sprinter Polish athletics athlete Ewa Swoboda. In April, celebrated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the honored toy brand American figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.
Mattel, Inc.
“Throughout my career, I have always been driven by the idea of breaking glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission could not resonate more deeply with that spirit,” said tennis legend Venus Williams in the same statement from Mattel.
Here are the nine athletes who are the latest women to be recognized by Barbie with dolls in their likeness.
Venus Williams
Having won four Olympic gold medals and seven Grand Slam titles, Venus Williams is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. In 2007, the California native was the first woman in tennis win the same prize money at Wimbledon as male athletes. Williams’ appearance on the tennis court has slowed in recent years, since she withdrew from the Australian Open in January 2023.
Cristina Sinclair
With 190 goals under her belt, Christine Sinclair has been named Canadian Player of the Year 14 times and has 12 Olympic goals – more than any other player. She retired from the international game last year, CBC reported.
Maria Fowler
Considered a football prodigy by some, Mary Fowler, at the age of 16, became the youngest player on the Australian national football team at the 2019 FIFA World Cup. She now plays as a striker for the Manchester City Matildas.
“So grateful for the opportunity to capture and share a version of myself when I feel my strongest and most confident,” she said on Instagram. publish about the new doll. “Finally seeing and holding my Barbie with her bubble braid, gloves and boots, in a look that so many girls recreate is so special.”
Estelle Mossély
Estelle Mossely won France’s first gold medal in women’s boxing at the Rio Olympics on her 24th birthday. She also won a silver medal at the 2015 European Games.
“So proud to have my own Barbie with everything she represents,” said Mossely in an X publish on Wednesday. “It’s an honor to be part of the Barbie 2024 team surrounded by all these great champions.”
Alex Moreno
Moreno became the first gymnast representing Mexico to win a World Championship medal when she placed third at the 2018 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Doha, Qatar. Despite ankle, head, knee and shoulder injuries that have derailed his career since 2020, Moreno plans to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, NPR affiliate KPBS reported this week. Forbes Mexico in 2019 recognized Moreno as one of the 100 most powerful women in Mexico.
Rebecca Andrade
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Rebeca Andrade managed to establish herself as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Her performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics earned Brazil its first gold medal in women’s gymnastics. She was on the cover of Vogue Brasil in October 2021 and plans to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Susana Rodrigues
Susana Rodriguez was born with albinism and a visual impairment that severely weakened her ability to see. Despite this obstacle, Rodriguez is a doctor and paratriathlon athlete, winning the gold medal in 2020 at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. She was featured in to cover from Time magazine in 2021.
Federica Pellegrini
This Italian swimmer won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A year later, at the 2009 FINA World Aquatics Championships in Rome, she became the first woman to break the 4-minute barrier in the 400-meter freestyle . Pellegrini retired from swimming in 2021 and had her first child – a daughter named Matilde – in January.
Ewa Swoboda
Ewa Swoboda is a Polish track and field sprinter and three-time medalist at the European Indoor Championships. She took home the gold medal in 2019. Throughout her career, she has continued to break records, most recently at the 2024 World Indoor Athletics Championships, where she set a new national record. record of 6.98 seconds in the women’s 60 meter dash.
