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Nicola Adams becomes first boxer to be turned into a Barbie doll

Fighters Network
07
Mar

Nicola Adams has gone from Golden Girl to Boxing Barbie.

Adams, the 2012 and 2016 Olympic women’s flyweight gold medalist, was immortalized in the form of a Barbie doll as part of a series “honoring 17 historical and modern-day role models from around the world” ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, according to a Mattel press release.

The 35-year-old has certainly earned her spot in any list of inspiring women, having cemented her status as Great Britain’s greatest female boxer through her Olympic victories, plus gold medals at the 2016 World Championships, 2015 European Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Adams’ dominance has transferred well to the professional ranks, as she’s 3-0 (2 knockouts) since making her debut in April 2017 under promoter Frank Warren.



“I am so excited and honoured to be Barbie’s first ever UK Shero and the first ever boxer Barbie. My hope is that everything I do helps more people realise they can do anything they put their mind to,” Adams said in a press release.

The doll features her distinct mohawk haircut and Lioness nickname on her trunks, but has been criticized by some for having thin arms and legs which do not reflect Adams’ muscular frame.

Adams grew up at a time when there were no female boxers, and listed Muhammad Ali and her mother as role models she looked up to. She hopes little girls see her as an example for what they can become as well.

“That’s why empowering the next generation of kids is something I’m passionate about and it’s great to work with Barbie to share my story now. I hope my doll inspires young girls to believe that they can break boundaries in whatever they choose to do,” said Adams.

The release did not state when the role models figures would go on sale, though Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson and Frida Kahlo dolls are already available for pre-order through the Barbie website.

Other women featured in the series include Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, volleyball champion Hui Ruoqi and pro golfer Lorena Ochoa.

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