In celebration of Barbie’s 65th anniversary, Mattel, Inc. announced today the creation of one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls honoring nine exceptional athletes worldwide, including the iconic American tennis player Venus Williams. This initiative aims to inspire young girls by showcasing role models who have shattered barriers in their respective sports.
Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, emphasized the importance of sports in fostering self-confidence and ambition among young girls. She highlighted the significance of recognizing these athletes, 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.”
Venus Williams, one of the most decorated Olympic athletes and a trailblazer in tennis, expressed her excitement about the initiative. “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,” she said. “I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams.”
The other eight honored athletes represent various sports and countries, including:
Christine Sinclair (Canada): Soccer Player
Mary Fowler (Australia): Football Player
Estelle Mossely (France): Boxer
Alexa Moreno (Mexico): Gymnast
Rebeca Andrade (Brazil): Gymnast
Susana Rodriguez (Spain): Paratriathlon Athlete
Federica Pellegrini (Italy): Swimmer
Ewa Swoboda (Poland): Track and Field Sprinter
By honoring trailblazing women athletes and providing mentorship opportunities, Barbie continues to empower girls worldwide, proving that they can achieve anything if they relentlessly pursue their dreams.
