Barbie creates doll of Paralympian Francisca Mardones

A Paralympian from Chile is the latest notable person to have a Barbie made in her honour.

On Thursday, 26 August, US toy firm Mattel announced that it has created a doll inspired by Francisca Moderna, a member of the Chilean wheelchair tennis, shot-putting, discus throwing and javelin team.

The Barbie maker said it had created the doll as part of its aim to diversify its range.

Mardones, 43, had wanted to pursue a career as an Olympic athlete since childhood. But in 1999 she was left with spinal damage after being injured in a landslide during a hurricane in Puerto Rico, where she was working at the time.