Toy giants Mattel has announced that they are launching a brand new Barbie doll — in the image of Dina Asher-Smith, Britain’s fastest woman.
“As sportswomen continue to set new records and take center stage around the world, we are proud to honor these amazing women by amplifying their stories and achievements with dolls in their likeness,” Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s global head of dolls, said in a press release. “In an effort to close the Dream Gap, we have a responsibility to show girls they can be anything on and off the field, court, mat and beyond.”
The gold medallist and four-time European champion, says that she is “proud” to have a doll made in her likeness.
“I’m so proud to have my own one-of-a-kind Dina Barbie doll. It’s an honor to work with Barbie as a ‘Shero’ and work together to inspire future champions,” Asher-Smith said.
“Growing up, sportswomen were less visible in the media and there is still a gap when it comes to women’s sports, which is why representation is so important,” she continued. “For Barbie to champion female athletes and different sports shows future generations that anything is possible.”
Asher-Smith currently holds the British records in the 100 and 200 meters, with 10.83 secs (2019) and 21.88 secs (2019).
According to CNN, Amandine Henry, France’s soccer captain, Sümeyye Boyacı, Turkish Paralympic swimmer, and Olga Kharlan, Ukrainian world champion saber fencer, will also have “Shero” dolls made after them.
The new dolls are slated to be released in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8. The purpose of the toys is to raise awareness of female role models in the sporting world.
