Female Sports Stars Honored with Own Barbie Dolls
Mattel, the company that makes Barbie dolls, has announced it is producing new dolls to celebrate nine female athletes, including tennis star Venus Williams.
Successful women from a number of different sports and from countries across the world have been honored by the company with dolls.
However, according to CBS, these won't be available to buy.
Krista Berger from Mattel said: "Barbie is thrilled to continue the brand's 65th-anniversary celebration by recognizing the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation."
She added: "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."
As well as Williams, the others being depicted as dolls are gymnasts Rebeca Andrade and Alexa Moreno, soccer players Mary Fowler and Christine Sinclair, boxer Estelle Mossely, swimmer Federica Pellegrini, paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez and track and field sprinter Ewa Swoboda.
Williams, who has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, said: "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."
Williams, whose sister Serena is also one of the greats of modern tennis, has also won four Olympic gold medals. At Wimbledon in 2007, she became the first woman to earn the same prize money as the male players.
Australian soccer player Fowler said on Instagram she was "super grateful" to have a doll version of herself.
French boxer Mossely, who won a gold medal at the Olympics in 2016, said on X: "It's an honor to be a part of the 2024 Barbie team surrounded by all these great champions."
Mattel has previously produced limited edition dolls depicting successful women including Naomi Osaka, Mariah Carey and Tina Turner.
Earlier this year, it also made a doll to celebrate US skater Kristi Yamaguchi.
