Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams are among nine athletes to get a Barbie doll bearing their likeness, as toy maker Mattel looks to showcase sportswomen as role models ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Mattel announced the dolls on Wednesday, each with custom accessories.
Former world number one Venus said that with the doll she hopes to motivate girls to take up sport.
“I literally can’t imagine my life without sports and without games,” Venus Williams said in a video of herself holding the doll.
“I want other girls to have this invaluable experience of playing a sport and what it teaches, what you learn and what you get from it, not just for that moment (but) for the rest of your life…”
Other sports figures who will have a doll in their likeness include French boxer Estelle Mossely, Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda, Spanish doctor and paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez, former Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Canadian football player Christine Sinclair, Australian rules football player Mary Fowler and Mexican gymnast. Alexa Moreno.
The dolls, introduced in celebration of Barbie’s 65th birthday this year, “(recognize) the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence and ambition among the next generation,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie is Mattel’s global head of dolls.
“By highlighting these inspiring athletes and their stories, we hope to support the belief that all girls deserve the opportunity to persevere in their passions and make their dreams a reality,” she added in a statement.
Source: Terra
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