Photo: Getty Images
Venus Williams is getting Barbie treatment.
On Wednesday (May 22), Mattel announced that Williams and eight other athletes would be honored with a new doll in celebration of Barbie's 65th anniversary, per PEOPLE.
The new dolls dedicated to female athletes aim to encourage girls to stay in sports, according to Mattel. William's doll features the athlete in a white tennis dress and visor, with a racket in her hand and gold hoops in her ears.
The tennis star said she was "honored to be recognized."
“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."
Other world-class athletes being honored with dolls for Barbie's 65th anniversary include soccer star Mary Fowler, Olympic champion boxer Estelle Mossely, gymnast Alexa Moreno, Olympic gymnast Rebeca Andrade, paratriathlon athlete Susana Rodriguez, and swimmer Federica Pellegrini.
“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," Mattel’s Senior Vice President of Barbie, Krista Berger, said in a statement.
“... The sports one-of-a-kind role model dolls serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment and individuality,” Berger continued. “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."
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