Olympian Ilona Maher featured in new Barbie line of empowering athletic role models

Mattel is giving Barbie a well-deserved glow-up.

The multinational toy maker announced that four muscular female Olympians are joining its Barbie line-up, and Olympian Ilona Maher is one of them.

Gone are the days when a Barbie was a cookie-cutter blonde with impossible proportions. Over the years, fans have called out the doll for promoting unrealistic body standards, and Mattel is finally listening.

Black Barbie, dolls with curvier builds, and now strong, athletic women are changing the game, showing kids that there’s no “one way” to look fabulous.

The athlete has had her fair share of online haters, and she doesn’t shy away from calling them out. It’s easy to see why she gets frustrated being constantly scrutinised for your body, especially when you’re putting in the work at the Olympics, it can mess with anyone’s head.

The fact that younger girls are watching and absorbing every comment, the pressure multiplies. Maher wants girls to see that looking or performing differently doesn’t make you less.

“I just want all the girls out there to know that you get to feel beautiful in your way,” she said.

“Empowering the next generation is my goal."

Krista Berger, Barbie’s Senior VP, added: “At Barbie, we believe that girls can be, and do, anything … By showcasing incredible role models, we’re showing girls that the future of sports  or wherever their passion takes them  is theirs to claim, with Team Barbie cheering them on.”

The 29-year-old former nurse scooped bronze in women’s rugby sevens at the 2024 Olympics and made history on "Dancing With The Stars" by becoming the first woman in 33 seasons to lift her male partner during a routine.

But, of course, followers had something to say.

Clips on TikTok show her firing back at trolls who comment on her BMI, appearance, or strength. “I do have a BMI of 30 percent… but alas, I’m going to the Olympics and you’re not,” she said in one viral response.

She’s also candid about the effect of criticism on her confidence and how it could hit girls even younger than her, reinforcing the need for diverse role models.

"I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m not afraid to say it. If sharing my story can inspire other young girls to believe in themselves the way I have, then I’ll have truly made an impact.”

Launching in 2026, the new Barbie line-up also features rugby stars Ellie Kildunne (England), Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (New Zealand) and Nassira Konde (France). 

Together they show that strength comes in different sizes, colours, and nationalities. For kids, seeing these dolls on shelves is a reminder that anyone can excel, break barriers, and be proud of their body and ability.