‘Speechless’: Matildas’ super star Mary Fowler among sporting greats honoured by Barbie

There were no words to express the honour Mary Fowler felt after joining iconic sporting greats immortalised by Barbie, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.

Mary Fowler is rarely taken aback on the football field but the sight of her immortalised as a Barbie doll left her speechless.

Fowler joined tennis icon Venus Williams, Canada’s champion footballer Christine Sinclair (Canada), Italy’s swim gold medallist Federica Pellegrini and six other sports women from around the world who Barbie have honoured with dolls which are part of Barbie’s 65th anniversary celebrations.

Mary Fowler’s Barbie. Picture: Willy Lew

Fowler worked with Barbie designers to create the doll, paying particular attention to the doll’s hair, her boots and, of course, her famous black gloves.

“I wanted to have my Barbie doll replicate when I feel my most confident self, and that for me is when I’m on the pitch playing football. During the design process, it was really cool working with the team to ensure my look was brought to life in my Barbie,‘’ Fowler said.

“Being a positive influence, and seeing young girls recreate my look has been so special, and to finally hold my doll and see her wear my bubble braid, my gloves and even my boots, made my Barbie doll unique and connected to me.

“I think there’s a lot about participating in sport, and staying in sport, that can be overlooked sometimes.

“There’s the physical aspect and training and, for me personally, sport has really shaped me as a person.

“A lot of my biggest moments of growth have come from sport; just the way that I’m able to speak with myself and deal with challenges, and the way that I’m able to believe in myself.

Mary Fowler with her limited edition Barbie. Picture: Supplied

“Those are all things that I learned through sport. There’s so many other things, too – like some of my closest friends I’ve made through sport!”

Other athletes honoured were French boxer Estelle Mossely, Mexican gymnast Alexa Moreno who is recognised by Forbes as one of the 100 most powerful women in Mexico, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, Spanish paratriathlete Susan Rodriguez, and Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda.

A Barbie spokesman said by recognising athletes who have broken barriers for women in sports, Barbie hopes to help amplify the voices of women in sports, and commemorate their accomplishments on and off the field.