Mattle and Barbie have faced many controversies about promoting unrealistic body images, but they have also consistently done their part to uplift successful women. This year, they have focused their attention on female athletes from across the globe. This includes big names like gymnast Rebecca Andrade, soccer player Christine Sinclair and 7 others. But most importantly, they will now be handcrafting and making figurines of seven-time grand slam singles champion Venus Williams, sister of Serena Williams.

Rising Polish star sprinter, Ewa Swoboda is part of the anthropomorphized roster. Krista Berger, senior VP of Barbie, recognised “the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation.” The special edition dolls are released as part of Mattel, celebrating 65 years of Barbie. However, there does seem to be a disparity in which doll has generated the most interest.

Recently, Barbie, in collaboration with Voice In sport, took to Instagram to announce their #Barbie65 campaign. They captioned it, “From play time to game time, Barbie has been championing more stories for girls for 65 years and counting.” Adding, “We highlight nine professional athletes from around the globe, whose excellence in sport inspires girls to keep playing.” This includes tennis legend Venus Williams and track and field sensation Ewa Swoboda. Barbie’s partnership with @voiceinsport also aims to provide opportunities for girls to get mentorship from their sports heroes.

Barbie concluded the post by writing, “By telling their stories and honoring these role models with one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls in their likeness, girls of all ages will see that they too have the potential to be world-class athletes.” In the photo, they also gave a sneak peek of the dolls decked out in athletic gear. Venus Williams Barbie doll captures the spirit of her sport. The designers meticulously crafted the outfit to include a white tennis dress, a visor, and gold earrings. In her hand, she also holds a miniature tennis racket.

Alongside her, Ewa Swoboda’s doll wears a sleek track and field outfit in her country; featuring a puma logo. The doll also is decked out in Swoboda’s tattoos,  including her sleeve tattoos, a rib tattoo and the ones on her legs. So it does not come as a surprise that buyers seem to be clamoring to get a hold of Swoboda’s doll over Williams’. Swoboda’s doll is the top pick, with tattoos on Barbie seen as a novelty driving its popularity because of its aesthete. Since Barbie started manufacturing dolls, only about 3-4 special edition dolls have had any body ink. The last was in 2011 when Mattel released the Tokidoki Barbie. Both women deserve a place in the Mattel Hall of Fame, despite sales differences, as deference shouldn’t be the norm considering how Williams and Swoboda are both accomplished in their respective disciplines.

Fostering empowerment and confidence: Barbie’s mission to inspire young girls

Barbie is calling the newly released line, “Role Model” dolls. They’re shedding the spotlight on women who have “broken boundaries” and inspired young girls around the world. The company said in a statement, it will “close the gap that comes between girls and their full potential.” Venus Williams is the perfect choice. Throughout her career, she has been a trailblazer in tennis. But alongside her grand Slam wins, she is also a successful entrepreneur and fashion designer. Venus Williams said in a recent interview regarding her doll, “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.” She can prove to girls around the world that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. 

Additionally, Ewa Swoboda is a three-time European Indoor champion and has set numerous national records. In a recent press release, Mattel said, “Top ranked European sprinter Ewa Swoboda’s determination, talent, and fearless nature have served as a source of inspiration for young girls across the globe.” The sprinter who has won gold in both 2019 and set the world junior record of 7.07 seconds is truly an icon to look up to. We are hoping to catch another glimpse of her in the 2024 Summer Olympics.