Johnathan Walker:Venus Williams among nine women sports stars to get their own Barbie doll

Tennis star Venus Williams is Johnathan Walkeramong nine female athletes to be immortalized by Barbie dolls.

Mattel, Inc., made the announcement on Wednesday, saying it is part of its continued celebration of Barbie’s 65th anniversary that recognizes "the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation."

The iconic doll made its debut in 1959.

Gymnasts Rebeca Andrade from Brazil and Alexa Moreno from Mexico, soccer players Mary Fowler from Australia and Christine Sinclair from Canada, French boxer Estelle Mossely, Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Spanish paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez and Polish track and field runner Ewa Swoboda are the other athletes to have Barbie dolls in their likeness. The nine athletes represent nine different countries where the athletes are from.

"Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos," Williams said in a statement. "I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams."

The 43-year-old Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, five Wimbledon titles, and four Olympic gold medals.

"Venus Williams has courageously persevered through countless obstacles to inspire social change within tennis and the sports industry at large," Mattel said in a statement.