Barbie to release new doll modeled after Olympian figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi

Barbie will release a new doll modeled after Olympian figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, the first Asian American to win an individual figure skating gold medal.

"It’s a huge, huge honor. I think a lot of pride comes along with it, not just recognizing the Olympic achievement, but also being recognized during AAPI Month and following in the footsteps of some incredible women that I idolize — Anna May Wong, Maya Angelou and Rosa Parks," Yamaguchi told The Associated Press. "It's hard to see me put in the category with them."

Yamaguchi, who became the first Asian American to win an individual figure skating gold medal, at the 1992 Winter Olympics, has been immortalized as a doll for Barbie's "Inspiring Women Series," Mattel announced Wednesday. The release is timed for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, in May.