Former world tennis champion and Greater Springfield’s own Ash Barty has been honoured as a ‘Role Model’ doll with the launch of Mattel’s Aboriginal Barbie. The initiative was part of the brand’s celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 and aimed to highlight the importance of female friendships and representation.
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Barty shares this recognition with her friend and mentor, fellow Indigenous global tennis star Evonne Goolagong Cawley. The duo recently unveiled their one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls, created as part of a special collection that pays tribute to their contributions to the sport and their commitment to inspiring future generations.
“Never did I think I would have my own Barbie but this campaign celebrating our friendship was special,” shared Barty on a social media post.
For both Barty and Goolagong Cawley, the Barbie ‘Role Model’ dolls represent more than just an accolade. They see this as an opportunity to empower the next generation of young girls through visibility and inspiration. Barty has always believed that representation plays a crucial role in shaping aspirations, noting that seeing role models can help others believe in their own potential.
She acknowledged the significance of being the first Indigenous figure featured in the Barbie lineup but emphasised that the impact extends beyond that milestone.
“I am a big believer in what you see, you can be. Evonne showed me what was possible when I was young, I hope to inspire girls in the same way,” she said.
Barty’s doll is dressed in the outfit she wore during her historic Wimbledon victory in 2021, a design by FILA created to honour Goolagong Cawley. Meanwhile, Goolagong Cawley’s doll wears the attire from her appearance at the 2022 Australian Open.
The tribute extends to a cherished moment between the two, when Goolagong Cawley surprised Barty by presenting her with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after her Australian Open win.
Goolagong Cawley, a long-time advocate for Indigenous representation, highlighted the importance of role models for young people. She shared that in her work with an Indigenous national program, she often tells young girls about her journey, including the challenges she faced on the road to winning Wimbledon.
She also stressed the importance of sharing these experiences so that young people understand the obstacles that can arise and how to overcome them. Both she and Barty aim to create a clear pathway for young athletes to pursue and achieve their dreams.
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Through these Barbie dolls, Barty and Goolagong Cawley hope to inspire young girls, particularly those from Indigenous backgrounds, to pursue their aspirations in sport and beyond. Their journey stands as a testament to resilience, friendship, and the power of representation in shaping the future.
Published 12-March-2025