Kiwi athletics great Dame Valerie Adams has been immortalised as a plastic figurine.
The double Olympic shot put champion has become the second New Zealander to be recognised as an official Barbie Role Model.
Each year toy manufacturer Mattel honour trailblazing women each year from around the globe by creating one-of-a-kind dolls in their likeness.
Adams admits she never owned one of the iconic dolls as a kid, and to be replicated in one now is "awesome".
"To have them choose me was surprising but also very exciting," Adams tells NZME "It's an amazing campaign and I'm really honoured to be a part of it."
The 35-year-old worked closely with Mattel on the project to ensure every detail was on the mark, right down to the hairstyle and trademark hoop earrings.
"They got all the details right," Adams says.
"I have six tattoos on my body that are quite important to me, and they definitely showcased me. When I look at the Barbie, all I see is me. The bun, the hoops, all the rest of it. My strapping I wear when I'm throwing.
"She looks pretty awesome if I do say so myself, she's quite amazing."
The mother of two says it's also a fantastic message of diversity for young Kiwi girls of all backgrounds, and the fact that daughter Kimoana's first Barbie will be her own mum adds another special edge.
"It's a way that I can reach out to young girls here in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands," Adams tells NZME.
"If they can see something that looks like them, it makes them feel normal - to be able to see something in their own likeness is quite exciting. I have a daughter and I have a responsibility to be a positive role model for her."
