Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda has been included in the latest series of Barbie dolls that honor outstanding female athletes. Alongside international stars like American tennis player Venus Williams and Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Swoboda is one of nine athletes to receive this recognition.
The initiative, as explained by Barbie representative Krista Berger, aims to highlight how sports can foster confidence, ambition, and empowerment among future generations. By showcasing these inspiring athletes and their stories, Barbie hopes to demonstrate that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and achieve her dreams.
Swoboda expressed her joy and disbelief at being chosen, sharing her excitement on Instagram. “I am overjoyed that Barbie appreciated my story and recognized me alongside eight other incredible sportswomen from around the world with the title of Barbie Role Model. I still can’t believe it! As a little girl, I played with dolls, and now I have my own Barbie doll that looks like me – the only one of its kind in the world,” she wrote.
She hopes her story will inspire others to stay true to themselves. “I want my story to show that it is always worth being yourself. You don’t have to meet anyone’s expectations or fit into imposed frameworks to achieve your goals. Each of us has the right to express ourselves in our own way,” she added.
Swoboda joins a distinguished group of athletes, including American tennis player Venus Williams and Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini. The lineup also features French boxer Estelle Mossely, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, Mexican gymnast Alexa Moreno, Australian footballer Mary Fowler, Canadian footballer Christine Sinclair, and Spanish paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez.
Ewa Swoboda has made significant strides in her athletic career, becoming one of Poland’s top sprinters. Known for her speed and determination, Swoboda has consistently performed at a high level in international competitions. Her inclusion in the Barbie role model series reflects her impact on the sport and her influence as a mentor for young athletes. Barbie’s campaign to honor female sports figures is part of a broader effort to promote gender equality and empower young girls through positive representation.