When Venus Williams fought for equal prize money in tennis, she didn’t just change the sport; she made history. And beginning this week, her legendary push is being sealed in plastic.
Barbie has unveiled a Venus Williams doll as part of its Inspiring Women collection, commemorating the seven-time Grand Slam champion for her forehands, titles, and her advocacy.
Williams is joining the ranks of Maya Angelou, Ida B Wells, Celia Cruz and Anna Sui, among others in the Barbie Inspiring Women Series.
On Instagram, Barbie announced the launch with a fitting tribute — “A masterful match. Venus Williams is a seven-time Grand Slam champ and an advocate for gender pay equity in sports, serving greatness on and off the court! Now, Barbie is proud to honour Venus as the newest Inspiring Women doll.”
The doll recreates Williams’ outfit she wore at Wimbledon in 2007, the year the grass-court major finally levelled the playing field by offering equal prize money to men and women. She beat Marion Bartoli to clinch her fourth Wimbledon singles crown. And she did it while making history off-court, too.
Speaking to USA Today ahead of the doll’s August 15 release, Williams called it a “huge moment” in her life, one that feels especially moving to see honoured this way. “To see that moment honoured with a Barbie doll is incredibly special,” she said. “I hope it inspires young girls to speak up, believe in themselves, and know they have the power to change the game too.”
Mattel said Williams was hands-on in the design process, making sure the doll was authentic right down to the accessories: a green gem necklace, drop earrings, wristbands, visor and Reebok sneakers.
For Williams, the reveal is what she calls a “full-circle moment.” For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful wins happen beyond the scoreboard.
