Mattel is continuing their celebration of Barbie’s 65th anniversary. Today, the brand will honor nine athletes around the world – including American Professional Tennis Player and icon Venus Williams – with one-of-a-kind role model dolls made in their likeness.
Knowing that girls involved in team sports are more likely to believe they are smart enough for their dream career, have high opinions on their abilities and competencies, increased leadership aspirations and enjoy higher levels of self-confidence 1, Barbie is bringing together these inspiring stories that are shaping the future to show girls that anything is possible if you relentlessly pursue your passions.
Through initiatives like the Barbie Dream Gap Project, Barbie is committed to leveling the playing field for girls globally, in sports and beyond, to close the gap that comes between girls and their full potential. Partnering with VOICEINSPORT – a digital sport platform dedicated to keeping girls in sport, Barbie Role Models will extend their impact through virtual mentoring sessions throughout the year.
“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,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel. “After welcoming Kristi Yamaguchi to our Barbie Inspiring Women line last month, we are proud to continue fueling the momentum surrounding women in sports by welcoming these nine athletes as our newest role models. The sports one-of-a-kind role model dolls serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment and individuality. 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.”
“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,” said Barbie Role Model and American Professional Tennis Player, Venus Williams. “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 Barbie brand remains committed to empowering girls to pursue their interest in sports, encouraging their continued beliefs in their limitless possibilities by:
HONORING NINE TRAILBLAZING WOMEN ATHLETES AROUND THE WORLD with one-of-a-kind role model dolls made in their likeness to celebrate the barriers they have broken for women in their respective fields.
- Venus Williams (United States): Tennis Player – One of the most decorated Olympic athletes with four gold medals and the first woman in tennis to earn equal prize money at Wimbledon, Venus Williams has courageously persevered through countless obstacles to inspire social change within tennis and the sports industry at large.
- Christine Sinclair (Canada): Soccer Player – As soccer’s greatest international scorer with 190 goals to her name, Christine Sinclair has solidified her status as the most successful soccer player from Canada [of all time].
- Mary Fowler (Australia): Football Player – At just 21 years old, Mary Fowler has become a key player for the Matildas and Manchester City football teams. She was selected for the FIFA World Cup in 2019 and became the team’s youngest player at 16 years old. Since then, she has been to two FIFA World Cups and the 2020 Olympic Games.
- Estelle Mossely (France): Boxer – Crowned Olympic champion in 2016 and has won numerous professional and world amateur boxing titles.
- Alexa Moreno (Mexico): Gymnast – As Mexico’s first female world medalist in gymnastics, Alexa Moreno is recognized by Forbes Mexico as one of the 100 most powerful women in Mexico.
- Rebeca Andrade (Brazil): Gymnast – Olympic gold and silver medalist, Rebeca Andrade is regarded as one of the best gymnast of all time. The Brazilian girl is a two-time World Championship champion and has won more than ten medals in World Cups.
- Susana Rodriguez (Spain): Paratriathlon Athlete – Born with albinism, Susana Rodriguez began running at age 10 and has since become a barrier-breaking paratriathlon athlete. She has not only set records in her sport, but she doubled as a young doctor on the front lines amid the pandemic, earning her the cover of TIME magazine in 2021.
- Federica Pellegrini (Italy): Swimmer – Federica Pellegrini is a former swimmer and an Olympic gold medalist, she has been the first woman to break the 4:00 barrier in the 400mm freestyle. Right after her last competitions in 2020, she got an important international recognition: election to the IOC Athletes Commission.
- Ewa Swoboda (Poland): Track and Field Sprinter – Top ranked European sprinter, Ewa Swoboda’s determination, talent, and fearless nature have served as a source of inspiration for young girls across the globe. She is a three-time European Indoor Championship medalist, as well as a World Indoor Championship medalist, holding the world lead of 7.01 seconds in the 60-meter race.
By recognizing athletes that have broken barriers for women in sports, Barbie hopes to help amplify the voices of women in sports to commemorate their accomplishments on and off the field.
