Barbie Celebrates Role Model Athletes
On May 22, 2024, Mattel, Inc. announced that in celebration of Barbie’s 65th anniversary, the brand will honour nine athletes from around the world, including Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair, with one-of-a-kind role model dolls made in their likeness. Studies show that girls involved in team sports are more likely to believe in their abilities, aspire to leadership roles, and have higher self-confidence. By showcasing these inspiring athletes, Barbie aims to demonstrate that girls can achieve anything through the relentless pursuit of their passions.
Christine Sinclair is a Canadian soccer player, a three-time Olympic medallist, and has been named Canadian Player of the Year 14 times. She has scored more international and Olympic goals than any other player in the world and is recognized as the most successful soccer player in Canadian history. Christine has led the Canadian women’s team to three World Cups and four Olympic Summer Games. A strong supporter of women in sports, Christine champions successes on and off the field. She has emphasized the importance of being a role model for young girls and, in 2020, partnered with the Canadian Women’s Foundation to raise funds for girls impacted by the pandemic.
“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. “We are proud to welcome these nine athletes as our newest role models. The sports role model dolls embody our shared values of passion, empowerment, and individuality. By highlighting these inspirational athletes and their stories, we hope to champion the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and achieve her dreams.”
“As an athlete, it was never a thought in my wildest dreams that I’d be immortalized with an iconic doll,” said Barbie Role Model and Canadian Soccer Player Christine Sinclair. “I am so honoured to be recognized as a Barbie Role Model during Barbie’s 65th anniversary celebrations alongside so many incredible individuals. This aligns with my hope of inspiring young girls to never give up on the sport they love or any goal they wish to achieve. By sharing the stories of women in sports, we can pave the way for future generations of athletes.”
By honouring athletes who have broken barriers for women in sports, Barbie is not just creating dolls but symbols of empowerment. The Barbie brand remains committed to empowering girls to explore their interests in sports, encouraging them to believe in their limitless possibilities. The nine trailblazing women athletes recognized with one-of-a-kind role model dolls include Venus Williams (United States) Tennis Player; Mary Fowler (Australia) Football Player; Estelle Mossely (France) Boxer; Alexa Moreno (Mexico) Gymnast; Susan Rodriguez (Spain) Paratriathlon Athlete; Federica Pellegrini (Italy) Swimmer; and Ewa Swoboda (Poland) Track and Field Sprinter. These dolls are not just toys but representations of the strength, resilience, and ambition that girls can aspire to.
Barbie’s initiative celebrates the accomplishments of these athletes and seeks to inspire young girls to participate in sports and develop qualities such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. By sharing the stories of these women, Barbie aims to create role models for future generations, encouraging them to chase their dreams both on and off the field.
