03 March 2020

Dina Asher-Smith 'honoured' by creation of Barbie 'Shero' doll

The fastest British woman in history, Dina Asher-Smith, has been unveiled as a Barbie 'Shero' doll ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Asher-Smith, 24, is the latest in a string of inspiring Olympians to be modelled, including Turkey's world Paralympic swimming champion Sumeyye Boyaci and French football captain, Amandine Henry.

American toy company, Mattel, chose the World 100m champion as part of their 'Sheroes' campaign which aims to close the 'dream gap' where young girls are said to feel inferior to, and less capable than men.

The young sprinter described it as 'an honour' to have a doll created in her likeness saying: "I hope little girls will see my doll and be inspired to take up and continue to enjoy sports."

Her look-alike doll has paid great attention to detail, with Asher-Smith's statement winged eye-liner, gold hoop earrings and necklace as well as a white cropped GB vest complete with Union flag, Nike logo and matching blue running shorts.

The doll is complete in GB kit, with Asher-Smith's trademark hairstyle and jewellery (PA)

The athlete said: "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."

Dina meets Barbie Dina (PA)

Barbie has been creating 'Sheroes' since 2015, and have thus far included dolls of double Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams in 2018 and UK activist and model Adwoa Aboah in 2019.

Other famous females to have been announced recently include tennis legend Billie Jean King, mother of modern nursing Florence Nightingale and singer Ella Fitzgerald.

Asher-Smith now has her sights set on the Tokyo Olympics where she is competing in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay having claimed silver, gold and silver respectively at the World Championships in Doha in 2019.

Dina is hoping she can add medals to the doll at Tokyo 2020 (PA)

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