Honestly, if you’ve been scouring the internet trying to find an official Simone Biles Barbie doll for your shelf, you’ve probably noticed something weird. You’ll find Gabby Douglas. You'll find Suni Lee. You might even find Rebeca Andrade. But for a long time, the actual "Greatest of All Time" felt like the one missing piece in the Mattel collection.
It’s kinda wild when you think about it.
The Long Wait for the GOAT
For years, fans were basically begging Mattel to drop a Simone Biles version of the world’s most famous doll. We saw the "Shero" line expand to include athletes like Naomi Osaka and Sky Brown. We saw Barbie celebrate International Women's Day with gymnasts from around the globe. Yet, for the longest time, the Simone Biles Barbie doll remained a bit of a mystery—or a one-of-a-kind (OOAK) prototype that fans couldn't actually buy in stores.
Then came the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Suddenly, the conversation shifted. Mattel finally leaned into the "Year of the Sportswoman." They recognized that Simone isn't just a gymnast; she’s a cultural phenomenon who redefined mental health in sports. They eventually included her in a massive rollout of influential female athletes, immortalizing her in plastic with that signature poise.
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What Does the Doll Actually Look Like?
If you're looking for the specific details, the doll is designed to capture that "Biles II" energy. We're talking:
- The Leotard: Usually a stunning, patriotic red, white, and blue design, often mimicking the high-shine fabrics seen on the Olympic floor.
- The Hair: Styled in her iconic sleek bun or ponytail, sometimes with the little touches—like the gold bows she's known to wear.
- The Athletic Build: Unlike the Barbies of the 90s, this doll uses the "Made to Move" or athletic body type. It has 22 joints. This is crucial because you can’t exactly pose a stiff doll in a triple-double, can you?
The cool thing is the realism. It doesn't just look like a generic gymnast. It looks like her.
Why You Can't Always Find It at Target
Here is the annoying part: these dolls sell out fast. Like, "blink and you missed the pre-order" fast.
Collectors and parents alike scramble for them because they represent more than just a toy. When a kid holds a Simone Biles Barbie doll, they aren't just playing with a doll; they're holding a reminder that you can walk away when things aren't right (like she did in Tokyo) and come back stronger than ever (like she did in Paris).
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Most people end up searching on secondary markets like eBay or Etsy. On Etsy, you’ll actually find a lot of "custom" Simone dolls or crochet versions because Mattel’s supply sometimes just doesn't meet the massive global demand.
Pro Tip: If you see a "Vintage 1996" gymnast Barbie being marketed as Simone Biles, stay skeptical. Simone was born in '97. People often mislabel old dolls to catch the search traffic.
The "Shero" Legacy and Mental Health
Barbie’s "Shero" line was a turning point for the brand. It moved away from "Barbie can be a doctor" (abstract) to "Here is a doll of a real woman who actually did the thing" (concrete).
Simone’s inclusion was a huge deal because of her advocacy. She’s been open about her struggles with the "twisties" and the pressure of being the face of a movement. By making a doll in her likeness, Mattel basically validated that being a hero isn't just about the gold medals—it's about the resilience.
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It’s sorta poetic. The doll is flexible, just like the athlete.
How to Get Your Hands on One (The Right Way)
If you are hunting for one right now, don't just type "Barbie" into a search bar and hope for the best.
- Check Mattel Creations first. This is where the limited editions usually drop before they hit the mass market.
- Look for the "Athletic" line. Sometimes she’s packaged under the broader "Olympic" or "Sports" branding rather than just a standalone "Simone" box.
- Verify the face sculpt. Real collector dolls use a specific likeness. If it looks like a generic blonde Barbie in a leotard, it’s not the official Simone Biles doll.
The Simone Biles Barbie doll is essentially a piece of history. Whether you’re a collector who keeps everything in the box or a parent whose kid wants to practice floor routines on the living room rug, it’s a tiny, plastic testament to what happens when you refuse to give up.
If you're looking to start a collection, keep an eye on official restocks during major gymnastics championships. That's usually when Mattel refreshes the inventory. Don't pay $200 to a reseller unless you're absolutely desperate; patience usually pays off when a new "Role Models" wave is announced.