US Gymnast 'Shero' Barbie Doll Pays Tribute to Olympian Gabby Douglas

El Segundo, CA — Gold medal-winning gymnast Gabby Douglas has more to celebrate Monday. A day after being chosen to return to the Olympics, she was chosen as Mattel's newest "Shero," complete with a Barbie doll modeled after her.

The doll is part of El Segundo-based Mattel's "You Can Be Anything" campaign, encouraging young girls to dream big. Douglas was chosen because of her confidence, work ethic and belief in herself, making her a good role model to girls, the company said.

"I love a challenge," Douglas said. "I love to push limits and I love that my very own Barbie celebrates me for being a role model to girls."

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Douglas, 20, was the first black gymnast in Olympic history to win the individual all-around gymnastic competition. She won the gold medal in both the individual all-around and the team competitions at the 2012 Olympics in London. Douglas was named to this year's U.S. Olympic gymnastics team Sunday.

The doll's clothing was inspired by Douglas' own fashion line and "fully articulated" to replicate most of her gymnastics moves, Mattel said.

"Playing with Barbie allows girls to imagine everything they can become," said Lisa McKnight, general manager and senior vice president for Barbie. "While imagining you can be anything is the first step, seeing that you can is what makes all the difference. Role models like Gabby Douglas show girls that with determination and perseverance their potential is limitless."

Other women honored as Barbie's "Shero" include Misty Copeland, Ava DuVernay, Emmy Rossum, Eva Chen, Trisha Yearwood and Zendaya.

— Photo courtesy of Mattel