Olympics 2024: Barbie to make dolls to honour Venus Williams, Mary Fowler, other women sports role models ahead of Paris
- Toymaker Mattel has unveiled the range, which seeks to shine a light on women sports role models before the Paris Olympics
- The dolls, unveiled as Barbie turns 65 this year, recognise ‘the impact of sport in fostering self-confidence and ambition’
Venus Williams and Australian footballer Mary Fowler are among nine athletes to get a Barbie doll in their likeness as toymaker Mattel seeks to shine a light on women sports role models ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Mattel unveiled the dolls on Wednesday, each with their bespoke accessories.
Fowler’s wears gloves and holds a football while Williams’ doll, dressed in an all white tennis dress and visor as well as wearing earrings, comes with a miniature racquet.
The former world no 1 said she hoped to motivate young girls into sports with the doll.
“I literally can’t imagine my life without sports and without the game,” Williams said in a video, in which she held the doll.
“I want other young girls to have that invaluable experience of playing a sport and what it teaches you and what you learn and what you take from it, not just that moment [but] for the rest of your life … I think it’s so important for girls to be in sports.”
Williams, who has won seven grand slam singles titles, added: “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.”