By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Thursday, May 23, 2024
Iconic tennis champion Venus Williams will now be immortalized with one of the most iconic dolls in the world.
Mattel annouced that seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, is among nine other inspirational athletes to receive their very own Barbie doll.
The acclaimed doll, recently featured in the blockbuster movie of the same name, first appeared in 1959.
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Mattel, in a statement, said that the initative is part of it's continuing 65th anniversary that recognizes "the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation."
"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 said in a statement. "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 athletes featured are Gymnasts Rebeca Andrade from Brazil and Alexa Moreno from Mexico, soccer players Mary Fowler from Australia and Christine Sinclair from Canada, French boxer Estelle Mossely, Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Spanish paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez and Polish track and field runner Ewa Swoboda. Each of the nine athletes represent nine different countries where the athletes are from.
Photo credit: Laura Metzler