Toy brand Barbie has announced a line-up of dolls to honour female sporting role models in conjunction with International Women's Day.

The dolls are also part of the Barbie Dream Gap Project, a social initiative to raise awareness around factors that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.

According to AFP-Relaxnews, among those who were honoured include British sprint world champion Dina Asher-Smith, French women's football captain Amandine Henry and Ukraine's fencing world champion Olga Kharlan.

Inspiring future champions

"I'm so proud to have my own one-of-a-kind Dina Barbie doll," said Asher-Smith. "It's an honour to work with Barbie as a 'Shero' and work together to inspire future champions.

"Growing up, sportswomen were less visible in the media and there is still a gap when it comes to women's sports, which is why representation is so important."

"I hope little girls will see my doll and be inspired to take up and continue to enjoy sports," said Asher-Smith who won the 200 metres gold at last year's world championships in Doha.

Good job for the recognising sporty stars, Barbie!