First hijab-wearing Barbie launched inspired by Olympic fencer

Mattel unveiled its first hijab-wearing Barbie doll on Monday, modeled after fencer Ibtihaj Muhammed, who has broken ground herself as the first U.S. Olympic athlete to compete in the head scarf.

Source: Getty Images

The doll is part of the Barbie "Shero" line that honours women who break boundaries.

Past dolls have included gymnast Gabby Douglas and Selma director Ava DuVernay.

Ibtihaj Muhammad posted on Twitter she was "proud" young people would be able to play with "a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab!"

Source: AAP