American Climber Girl Is A Doll...

If fame is having a bendable, rubberized mini action figure modelled on you, then American climbing Wunderkind Tori Allen has hit the jackpot.

Tori, who is just 15, is a big noise on the American climbing scene as well as being a top pole vaulter it says here, was reportedly non-plussed when her agent asked her about the action model, but after she agreed, photos were sent off to a toy-manufacturer in China and prototype figures eventually appeared.

After several revisions to get the body-type closer to right, the production figure - part of the Huck Doll range - is now available for $7.99. It comes with its own climbing gear 'including Tori's trademark pink rope, a helmet, chalk bag, sunglasses and a tiny monkey like the stuffed one she clips to her belt when competing'.

So come on British toy makers - where's the Leo Houlding action figure complete with characteristic clubbing gear or the Chris Bonington with authentic, growing, My Little Pony-style beard - plait it, platt it, or simply groom it to perfection...

For full story and pic of the Tori doll see this article in the Northwest Indiana News. And obviously Tori has her own web site where you can buy Tori memorabilia including an autographed version of the doll. Oh dear...