Mary Fowler, the Australian football sensation, is set to receive a unique honor: her very own Barbie Doll.
This recognition marks another milestone in Fowler’s rapidly rising career, celebrating her achievements both on and off the pitch.
A Rising Star in Women’s Football
Fowler’s journey to becoming one of the most celebrated figures in women’s football began early.
Crowned the ‘One to Watch’ at the Women in Sport Awards in 2022, she has since become a key player for both the Australian national team, the Matildas, and Manchester City.
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At just 21 years old, Fowler has already participated in two FIFA World Cups and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Her debut in the World Cup came at the age of 16, making her the youngest player on the team in 2019.
Honored with a Barbie Doll
In recognition of her contributions to sports, Fowler has been awarded a lifetime achievement: a Barbie Doll in her likeness.
She joins a prestigious group of nine other female athletes from around the world, including tennis legend Venus Williams and Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair.
This initiative is part of Barbie’s ongoing effort to honor women in sports and amplify their voices, continuing the legacy of the doll brand’s 65th anniversary.
“When I saw myself as Barbie for the first time, it was crazy,” Fowler said in a statement. “I was honestly just a bit speechless because I never would have thought that I’d have a Barbie that looks just like me.”
The Design Process
Fowler’s Barbie Doll is designed to reflect a significant moment in her career when she felt strong and confident.
Dressed in pink shorts and a white jersey, rather than the traditional Aussie gold, the doll features Fowler’s distinctive black gloves, earrings, and hairstyle.
“I really wanted to have it replicate a moment in my life when I felt really strong and confident in myself, and that moment for me was during the World Cup last year,” Fowler explained.
“All the little details were stuff that I thought of during that time, and the boots are so accurate to how they look in real life.”
The design process was a collaborative effort, with Fowler working closely with the Barbie team to ensure the doll accurately represented her.
“Being a positive influence and seeing young girls recreate my look has been so special, and to finally hold my doll and see her wear my bubble braid, my gloves, and even my boots made my Barbie doll unique and connected to me,” she said.
Celebrating Female Athletes
The initiative to create Barbie Dolls in the likeness of female athletes aims to inspire and empower young girls.
The full list of athletes honored with their own dolls includes:
Mary Fowler (Australia): Football Player
Venus Williams (United States): Tennis Player
Christine Sinclair (Canada): Soccer Player
-Estelle Mossely (France): Boxer
Alexa Moreno (Mexico): Gymnast
Rebecca Andrade (Brazil): Gymnast
Susan Rodriguez (Spain): Paratriathlon Athlete
Federica Pellegrini (Italy): Swimmer
– Ewa Swoboda (Poland): Track and Field Sprinter
Fowler expressed her admiration for her fellow honorees, saying, “I look at them, and I wouldn’t associate myself at that same level, but it’s just amazing to have that kind of recognition.
It made me really reflect on myself as a person and myself as an athlete, and I just feel super honored to be alongside them and hopefully inspire other girls to want to do the same.”
Availability and Retail Information
The You Can Be Anything Sports Barbie Dolls, including Fowler’s, can be purchased at Big W stores.
All Soccer Dolls and Sports Dolls will retail for $21, making them accessible to a broad audience.
Mary Fowler’s recognition with a Barbie Doll not only celebrates her individual achievements but also highlights the growing recognition of female athletes in popular culture.
This honor is a testament to her influence and an inspiration to young girls around the world, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
The information is Collected from BBC and The Guardian
