Fastest British woman in history Dina Asher-Smith says she feels ‘honoured’ as she unveils a new version of the iconic Barbie doll made in her likeness
- Athlete Dina Asher-Smith, 24, from London, has been transformed into a Barbie
- Called it ‘an honour’ and said she hoped it would ‘inspire girls to take up sports’
- Four-time European champion Dina said she feels ‘proud’ to have her unique doll
Barbie has created a doll in honour of world champion British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith to celebrate female role models.
The 24-year-old gold medallist, who is the fastest woman in British history, is part of a collection of female sporting ‘Sheroes’ from around the world, created into dolls by American toy company Mattel.
Barbie is hoping to inspire the next generation of young women in a bid to close the ‘dream gap’ – a phenomenon where young girls are said to start believing women are less capable than men.
Dina called it ‘an honour’ to have been chosen to have her own doll, saying: ‘I hope little girls will see my doll and be inspired to take up and continue to enjoy sports.’
Dina Asher-Smith, 24, from London, has revealed how she feels ‘honoured’ to have a Barbie crafted in her likeness (left, with her doll and right, the Barbie doll complete with a Union flag)
The sprinter, who is the fastest woman in British history, said she hoped the doll would inspire little girls to get into sports
And the lookalike doll features a blue and white cropped vest with the Union flag and Nike logo along with matching blue running shorts.
Other sporting ‘Sheroes’ to be created in doll form by Mattel this year include French football captain Amandine Henry, world Paralympic swimming champion Sumeyye Boyaci and European junior surfing champion Teresa Bonvalot.
Four-time European champion Dina said: ‘I’m so proud to have my own one-of-a-kind Dina Barbie doll.
‘It’s an honour to work with Barbie as a “Shero” and work together to inspire future champions.
Dina revealed the doll, which comes complete with winged eyeliner and gold jewellery as well as running kit
The 24-year-old gold medallist said she was wowed by her Barbie doll (pictured, alongside images of her and the doll that has been created in her honour)
The athlete said she hoped the doll would help inspire younger girls to come into women’s sports
‘Growing up, sportswomen were less visible in the media and there is still a gap when it comes to women’s sports, which is why representation is so important.
‘For Barbie to champion female athletes and different sports shows future generations that anything is possible.’
She continued: ‘There are so many amazing things that have happened because of my love for running, but having my own Barbie is definitely up there.’
Lisa McKnight, senior vice-president of Barbie and global head of dolls for Mattel said: ‘As the original girl empowerment brand, Barbie is dedicated to shining a spotlight on powerful, diverse role models to inspire the limitless potential in every girl.
The 24-year-old said having he own Barbie was one of the greatest highlights of her running career
Dina’s doll features gold hoop earrings and a dangling necklace, as well as a Great Britain running kit
The athlete, who is the fastest woman in British history, said she felt ‘honoured’ by the Barbie doll
‘As sportswomen continue to set new records and take centre stage around the world, we are proud to honour these amazing women by amplifying their stories and achievements with dolls in their likeness.
‘In an effort to close the ‘dream gap’, we have a responsibility to show girls they can be anything on and off the field, court, mat and beyond.’
Barbie has created ‘Sheroes’ since 2015, including dolls of UK activist and model Adwoa Aboah in 2019, and boxer Nicola Adams in 2018.
Dina holds the British records in the 100m with a time of 10.83 seconds along with 200m at 21.88 seconds and 4x100m at 41.77 seconds.