Olympic Star Skater Barbie

The hottest thing to hit the 2002 Olympic Winter Games

As Olympic athletes go for the gold in Salt Lake City, so does Star Skater Barbie. She comes ready to skate with a water bottle and gold medal, wearing a beautiful glittery skating costume, inspired by the Olympic Winter Games' official colors of yellow, orange and blue.

Olympic figure skating has a storied history that dates back to the early 20th century, making it one of the oldest sports in the Winter Olympic Games. It was actually first introduced in the 1908 Summer Olympics in London before becoming a staple in the inaugural Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, in 1924. The sport has undergone significant transformation over the years, from the costumes and music to the complexity of the techniques performed. Originally dominated by European skaters, the sport has grown to include champions from North America and Asia as well. Pioneers like Sonja Henie, who won three consecutive Olympic gold medals for Norway in the 1920s and 1930s, helped popularize the sport. The 1961 plane crash that killed the entire U.S. figure skating team en route to the World Championships was a tragic turning point, leading to increased safety regulations and a focus on developing new talent. In recent years, athletes such as Michelle Kwan, Yuzuru Hanyu, and Alina Zagitova have captivated audiences worldwide with their skill and artistry, elevating the sport to new heights. The addition of new events like team figure skating in the 2014 Sochi Olympics further diversified and popularized the sport, making it one of the most watched and beloved events in the Olympic program.