When Mattel approached Venus Williams to make her own Barbie for the Inspiring Women Series, the American tennis legend was given free rein to select any outfit to be immortalized in.
Williams, whose resume is long as her 6-foot-1 frame, had many moments to choose from throughout her trailblazing career. She could've selected the first of her seven Grand Slam singles titles at Wimbledon in 2000 or opted to memorialize her first of four Olympic gold medals at the Sydney Games that same year. Williams could've even took it back to the 1999 French Open, where she won the first of her 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her little sister Serena Williams in their iconic braids and colorful beads.
But Williams ultimately selected her win at the 2007 Wimbledon tournament and not for the reason you may think. It was the first year the women's and men's singles champions earned equal prize money at Wimbledon, a cause that Williams championed long before her win.
"Wimbledon 2007 was a huge moment in my career — not just because I won, but because of what was happening off the court," Williams told USA TODAY Sports ahead of her Barbie's release on Aug. 15. "Championing for equal prize money wasn’t just about me, it was about pushing for change for all women in sports. To see that moment honored with a Barbie doll is incredibly special. I hope it inspires young girls to speak up, believe in themselves, and know they have the power to change the game too."
