Barbie creates a Kristi Yamaguchi doll as part of its Inspiring Women series

Photo: Barbie / Mattel

Kristi Yamaguchi gets her own doll as part of Barbie’s Inspiring Women series. 

“An Olympic and World Champion figure skater, Kristi’s story is one of determination, athleticism, and unwavering self-belief,” Barbie said. “With role models like Kristi Yamaguchi, girls can not just imagine, but actually see that their dreams are achievable.”

Among many other accomplishments, Kristi was the very first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating at the 1992 Olympics. The doll’s dress is reminiscent of what Kristi wore during the 1992 winter games. “[There are] so many of the small things that really make it Kristi from 1992,” she told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. “The big hair with the gold bow in it!”

The iconic figure skater shared her enthusiasm saying, “Truly an honor to be included in the Barbie series Inspiring Women. What fun it was to collaborate with Mattel on recreating this moment in time. Thank you all and Always Dream!”

To celebrate the new doll and AAPI Heritage Month in May, Barbie is splitting a $25,000 Barbie Dream Gap donation between the Yamaguchi-founded Always Dream and ASPIRE (Asian Sisters Participating In Reaching Excellence, Inc.).

🏅 What do you think of the doll? In my opinion, I think the design is just missing Kristi’s Olympic gold medal.