Dina Asher-Smith has been immortalised as a Barbie doll – and she reckons it’s up there with winning gold.
The sprint sensation is one of Team GB’s brightest gold medal prospects for this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Asher-Smith stormed to glory in the 200m sprint at the World Athletics Championships in Qatar last year.
The 24-year-old is the fastest British woman in history with the four-time European champion currently holding British records in the 100m (10.83 secs), 200m (21.88 secs) and 4x100m (41.77 secs).
And to celebrate her incredible feats ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, Barbie is honouring Dina with her very own doll for her record-making achievements and ability to inspire the next generation of young girls.
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“I’m so proud to have my own one-of-a-kind Dina Barbie doll,” said Asher-Smith.
“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.
“I hope little girls will see my doll and be inspired to take up and continue to enjoy sports.
“It’s an honour to work with Barbie as a ‘Shero’ and work together to inspire future champions.
“There are so many amazing things have happened because of my love for running, but having my own Barbie is definitely up there.”
Barbie has honoured Sheroes since 2015, honouring 50 women in total including retired double Olympic gold medal-winning boxer Nicola Adams, back in 2018.
France women's football captain Armandine Henry is also being honoured by toy makers Mattel, along with world para swimming champion Sumeyye Boyaci, European junior surfing champion Teresa Bonvalot and five-time world champion sabre fencer Olga Kharlan.
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“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," said Lisa McKnight, SVP Barbie & Global Head of Dolls.
"As sportswomen continue to set new records and take center stage around the world, we are proud to honor 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.”
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