Ewa Swoboda: the Polish sprinter and Instagram sensation who became a Barbie doll

Boasting over half a million followers on Instagram, Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda is one of the most popular female track athletes competing at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The Polish sensation will compete in the 100m and the 4x100m relay at the Olympics, having already competed in those events at the Rio Games in 2016. She missed the Olympics in 2021 due to COVID and an injury.

According to the World Athletics website, Swoboda's 100m time of 10.94 in July 2023 makes her the joint 92nd fastest woman on the planet. Despite that, the 60m dash is where the Polish sprinter has made a name for herself.

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In March 2024, Swoboda won her first global medal at the World Indoor Championships, winning a silver medal in the 60m dash. She also holds the Polish national record in the 60m, with a time of 6.98 seconds.

The Puma athlete has medalled in multiple European events, winning gold in the 60m dash at the European Indoor Championships in 2019 and gold in the 100m at the European games in 2023. She has five senior silver medals across the European events.

Her genuine, unique style and resilience through missing major events, coupled with her extroverted personality, distinctive tattoos, and painted nails, have endeared her to fans globally.

According to the Runners Tribe website, Swoboda said: "I am not assuming any role, I am simply Ewa. I am open, and I don't have a problem smiling! It's crucial. I love what I do, and I am content."

Her style and dominance in the 60m dash through the adversity of COVID and injury has been celebrated by Barbie, who created dolls for nine female athletes who they believe have broken barriers for women in sport.

According to the Barbiepedia website, Barbie wrote: "Ewa Swoboda's determination, talent, and fearless nature have served as a source of inspiration for young girls across the globe. She is a three-time European Indoor Championship medalist, as well as a World Indoor Championship medalist, holding the world lead of 7.01 seconds in the 60-meter race."

The 26-year-old proudly announced the collaboration on her Instagram page: "So happy that Barbie acknowledged my story and honored me alongside eight other amazing athletes from around the world for the Barbie Role Model."

Picture credit: Instagram, @litttlerunner

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