Venus Williams 'Honored to Be Recognized' as Barbie Doll for Mattel’s New Campaign

Tennis legend Venus Williams has been transformed into a Barbie doll as part of Mattel’s latest campaign celebrating Barbie’s 65th anniversary. The collection aims to honor female role models in sports and inspire young girls to stay active and pursue their dreams.

The new Venus Williams Barbie is a fitting tribute to the tennis icon's illustrious career. Dressed in a white tennis outfit and a visor while wielding a racket, the doll mirrors Williams' court persona, complete with her signature gold hoop earrings. Williams has long been admired not just for her athletic prowess but also for her dedication to breaking barriers for women in sports. Williams shared her excitement about being recognized this way, expressing how deeply Barbie's mission resonated with her career philosophy of breaking glass ceilings and staying true to oneself. Her inclusion in this campaign affirms her status as an inspirational figure for aspiring athletes around the world.

Mattel's Senior Vice President of Barbie, Krista Berger, emphasized the importance of showcasing these female sports icons to foster self-confidence and ambition in young girls. Some other athletes made into Barbie are soccer star Mary Fowler and Olympic champion boxer Estelle Mossely.

The impact of this initiative goes beyond just creating dolls. It stands as a testament to the importance of representation. Sports can play a pivotal role in building self-esteem and drive among young females. By highlighting figures like Venus Williams, Mattel not only celebrates their achievements but also provides role models who reflect diverse paths to success. This unveiling coincides with the release of Williams' new health and wellness book, STRIVE, which also aims to inspire others through her personal journey. Being made into a Barbie doll is more than just a tribute; it's an inspiring message about perseverance, ambition, and breaking barriers.