Hammer-throwing champ joins distinguished list of ‘inspirational women’ after being turned into Shero Barbie doll
Hammer-throwing champ Anita Włodarczyk has joined a distinguished list of ‘inspirational women’ after being turned into a Shero Barbie doll.
The two-time gold medal winner, four-time world champion and multiple world record holder in the hammer throw was recognised for her “inspiration to others” in pursuing their dreams.
Shero Barbies, an amalgam of the words ‘She’ and ‘Hero’ are produced by the same company that produces the original Barbie dolls, Mattel, and are awarded each year around to inspiring women around the time of International Women’s Day.
Shero Barbies, an amalgam of the words ‘She’ and ‘Hero’ are produced by the same company that produces the original Barbie dolls, Mattel, and are awarded each year around to inspiring women around the time of International Women’s Day.
The idea of the Shero Barbie, a global initiative which has since been awarded to 50 women from 18 countries since 2015, came from the company’s desire to do something to reduce the ‘Dream Gap’, the idea that young girls around the age of 5 lose their self-confidence and faith in their own abilities, which can impact them for years.
Włodarczyk is the third Polish women to be honoured with a Shero Barbie after journalist and explorer Martyna Wojciechowska in 2018 and career truck driver Iwona Blecharczyk, in 2019.
Włodarczyk is the third Polish women to be honoured with a Shero Barbie after journalist and explorer Martyna Wojciechowska in 2018 and career truck driver Iwona Blecharczyk, in 2019.
Other women who have become Shero Barbies include Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart and Naomi Osaka.
Włodarczyk is known for her support for young athletes.
Włodarczyk, who is known for her support for young athletes said: “It’s worth having dreams and being stubborn in striving towards their realisation and gaining successes.
“You can be a woman and do everything you’ve dreamed of. In my life, I’ve come a long way, I’ve been confronted with injuries and social pressures.
Włodarczyk is a two-time gold medal winner, four-time world champion and multiple world record holder in the hammer throw.
“Today I meet with kids and teenagers in schools, I take part in charitable actions and I try to persuade others to sport and to forging their own path”
Danuta Leszko-Rowsell, senior brand manager of the Barbie brand said: “The Shero Barbie shows and promotes valuable role models, awarding women for their strength and independence as well as the way in which they fight for their dreams and motivate themselves to action.
Other women who have become Shero Barbies include Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart and Naomi Osaka.
“Poland has a distinguished position in this list. Up to now, Poland has had three such honours.
“We are aware how socially important this project is, therefore we don’t rest in our search for real heroines who could become an inspiration to others.”
Włodarczyk is one of 7 European women selected to have their own Shero Barbie made this year.
