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U.S. trailblazing Olympian, Ibtihaj Muhammad, has been immortalized by dollmaker Barbie to become the first-ever American to wear a hijab while competing at the games.
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Mattel Inc. – Barbie's parent company – revealed the doll inspired by Muhammad which, it says, will be available online next year.
“Barbie is celebrating Ibtihaj not only for her accolades as an Olympian, but for embracing what makes her stand out,” Barbie’s vice-president of marketing, Sejal Shah Miller, said.
“Ibtihaj is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented. By honoring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything.”
On Monday, Glamour magazine recognized the doll at the Women of the Year summit in New York City. “Ibtihaj Muhammad has challenged every stereotype — which to me is the definition of a modern American woman,” the magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Cindi Leive, shared in a statement.
“The Barbie Shero Program recognizes women who break boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls and I am so excited to join this incredible group of women,” Muhammad posted on social media.
The fencer expressed that she was especially pleased with the possibilities it affords children.
“I’m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is a childhood dream come true,” Muhammad beamed.
The doll is a part of the company's Shero series, a line to honor extraordinary achievements. Gymnast Gabby Douglas, film director Ava DuVernay and plus-size model Ashley Graham have all previously been celebrated with figurines.
The pioneering athlete won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Games.
She also operates a clothing company with her siblings, Muhammad is also a sports ambassador and works on the U.S. State Department’s Empowering Women and Girls Through Sport Initiative.
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