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Naomi Osaka has been a role model to many athletes and now she’s got the Barbie to prove it.
Just in time for the Olympics, the tennis star is being recognized with a new doll, the Naomi Osaka Barbie Role Model. “She has paved the way for future generations of girls to dream bigger, and through her unwavering courage and honesty, shown the world the importance of being your own biggest champion,” explains Lisa McKnight, SVP and global head of Barbie & Dolls.
At 23-years-old, this is her second time being honored as a Barbie. The first was in 2019, when Osaka was one of the Barbie Sheroes along with 20 other women for International Women’s Day and the toy company’s 60th anniversary. Last month, she withdrew from Wimbledon because of mental health struggles, but she’s still set to compete in the Tokyo Olympics.
“It's such an honor to be a part of the Barbie Role Model series and to remind young girls that they can make a difference in the world,” Osaka says in a statement. “I want young girls everywhere to feel empowered to dream big and to know that if they believe in themselves that anything is possible!”
The new Naomi Osaka Barbie will be available online on August 15th.