Between 1972 and 2024: discover which mascots were chosen for the Summer Olympics
The 2024 Summer Olympics are already underway! Held in Paris, France, the Olympics brought together more than 200 National Olympic Committees around the world and as the mascot chosen to welcome and welcome this year’s athletes, Phryge was named.
The mascot was inspired by the Phrygian cap, a historical French symbol that alludes to the country’s freedom and revolution. See:
But do you know who the former mascots of the Summer Olympics were? RECREIO has gathered them all below; check them out:
Waldi
The first official mascot of the Summer Olympics was Waldi, presented in Munich in 1972. He is inspired by a German dog breed called dachshund, also known as sausage dog.
Amik
In 1976, at the Montreal Olympics, Amik was introduced, a mascot whose name means “beaver” in Algonquin (the language of the indigenous population of Canada). Thus, in addition to his appearance inspired by the animal, Amik also has a red stripe, incorporated in reference to the ribbon traditionally used on winners’ medals.
Misha
Mikhail Potapych Toptygin, better known as Misha, is the mascot of Moscow at the 1980 Olympics. Created by Victor Chizhikovthe bear was chosen because the animal is extremely popular in Russian works.
Sam
Designed by Disney cartoonist, Bob MooreSam is the mascot of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. In addition to having the colors of the United States flag on the top hat he wears, Sam was chosen because the eagle is the symbol of the American nation.
Hodori
Hodori was introduced at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. He, whose name can be translated as Little Tiger, since “Ho” comes from the Korean word for “tiger”, while “Dori” is a common masculine diminutive, was chosen through a contest that included 2,295 entries sent in by the public.
Cobi
A humanized Pyrenean mountain dog, Cobi was drawn in the cubist style by Javier Mariscal for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The mascot’s name alludes to COOB’92, an abbreviation for the Barcelona ’92 Olympic Organizing Committee.
Izzy
With more than 3,300 suggestions from children in 16 different countries, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics could have had Kirby, Starz, Zack or Gleamer as the name for the blue mascot wearing training shoes. However, the fifth choice won out: “Izzy,” chosen by 32 American children ages 7 to 12.
This mascot is the first that is not an animal, nor a human figure, nor an object.
Syd, Olly and Millie
The trio of a platypus (Syd), a kookaburra bird (Olly) and an echidna or anteater (Millie) appeared at the Sydney Games in 2000. Symbolizing water, air and earth respectively, the creation of Matthew Hatton marked the first time that there was more than one official mascot in the same edition.
Phevos and Athena
Siblings Phevos and Athena represent the connection between the Games from their creation in Ancient Greece to the Modern Era. They were responsible for welcoming the athletes at the Athens Olympics in 2004.
It is worth mentioning that, in Greek mythology, Phevos is another name for Apollo, the god of light and music, while Athena is the goddess of wisdom and protector of the city of Athens.
Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying, Nini
In 2008, the Games took place in Beijing, China, and in this edition the mascots Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying, and Nini were chosen. Each of them bears one of the colors of the Games, as well as symbolizing the 5 elements of nature.
According to the Olympics website, the mascots form the “Fuwa”, which translates as “good luck dolls” and by connecting the first syllables of the names the phrase “Welcome to Beijing” (Bei Jing Huan Ying Nin) is formed.
Wenlock
At the 2012 London Olympics, Wenlock was introduced as the mascot for the event.
With famous elements of the English capital, such as the light attached to the head inspired by the famous black taxis, the mascot pays homage to the village of Much Wenlock in Shropshire, which is still home to the traditional Much Wenlock games, one of Pierre de Coubertin’s inspirations for the Modern Olympic Games.
Vinicius
A mix of several Brazilian animals, Vinícius, the mascot of the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, represents the beauty, diversity and culture of Brazil, and was named in honor of the Brazilian poet and composer. Vinicius de Moraes.
Miraitowa
With futuristic elements in its appearance, Miraitowa, the mascot chosen for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, got its name through the combination of the Japanese words “mirai” (future) and “towa” (eternity).
Source: Recreio
