Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, the first Malaysian artistic gymnast to qualify for the Olympics in 20 years, has been named a “Shero” by American toy company Mattel.
Farah, 26, is also the first Malaysian woman to have a Barbie modeled after her, according to SAYS.
The doll sports the athlete’s iconic silver-studded leotard in pink, gold and white — the same outfit she wore at the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
“I am very honored to be recognized as a Barbie role model for young girls for sports,” the seven-time SEA Games gold medalist said. “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.”
Barbie’s Dream Gap project aims to shine the light on empowering role models from the past and the present to help inspire girls and show them “they can be anything,” Mattel said.
“They are created in likeness to the model as a tribute and acknowledgment of the recipient as a role model for girls globally,” a Mattel representative told SAYS.
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