Malaysia’s very own artistic gymnast that is Farah Ann Abdul Hadi has been proudly immortalized as a Barbie doll by the American toy company, Mattel. The charming looking doll is fully dressed in a silver-studded, pink, gold, and also white leotard with jet black hair that is matching Farah Ann’s tied back in a slick ponytail. This doll is the first and only kind that will be created. It also considered an exclusive creation because this particular doll is not for sale.
Farah Ann’s Barbie doll is part of Mattel’s 2020 campaign, “You Can Be An Athlete”. This specific campaign named the “Barbie’s Dream Gap Project” really aims to encourage all the young girls out there to pursue a career in sports through inspiring female athletes. Mattel also has included all the iconic figures such as squash champion Nicol Ann David, Olympic diver Leong Mun Yee, bowler Shahlin Zulkifli and also speed skater Anja Chong as their role models.
According to a statement made by Barbie which said, “Barbie is committed to shining a light on empowering role models past and present in an effort to inspire more girls. As a key part of our ongoing global initiative, the Dream Gap Project, we’re introducing girls to women’s stories from all walks of life to show them they can be anything”.
The company also added, “Farah Ann is a true believer in the power of sports and aspires to utilize sports as a medium to inspire the younger generation”.
Farah Ann stated, “I am very honored to be recognized as a Barbie role model for young girls in sports”. She also added, “I believe that all of us are capable of achieving our dreams and goals no matter what it may be. You just need to remember that self-belief is your greatest weapon in achieving anything”.
Sources: YouTube Mattel, Barbie.
