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.
The Farah Barbie doll, which is part of the Barbie’s Dream Gap project, also has the same signature ponytail hairdo, Mashable reported.
Subscribe to
NextShark's Newsletter
A daily dose of Asian America's essential stories, in under 5 minutes.
Get our collection of Asian America's most essential stories to your inbox daily for free.
Unsure? Check out our Newsletter Archive.
“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.
Other Malaysian athletes included in the project are:
- Nicol Ann David — World squash champion and advocate for women in sports
- Leong Mun Yee — Four-time Olympic Diver
- Shahlin Zulkifli — Ten-pin bowler and former Asian number one
- Anja Chong — Short-track speed skater and four-time SEA Games Gold Medalist
Feature Image via Edelman Worldwide (Left), @farahann94 (Right)
