TOP 10: Olympic Mascots
The 2024 Paris Olympics are finally here, and we’re excited for all the drama, pageantry, and top-notch fashion at the opening and closing ceremonies. But most of all, we’re thrilled about the Olympic and Paralympic mascots! These mascots take on numerous roles during the Games—they’re the welcoming committee, brand ambassadors, entertainers, influencers, and key elements of Olympic merchandise. The best mascots bring global enthusiasm to the Games through their significance to the host cities and their unique personalities.
Designing mascots involves channeling the hopes and dreams for the Games into often anthropomorphized characters that captivate and amuse millions. The cuter they are, the better—especially if they can be turned into stuffed animals, magnets, T-shirts, or keychains. (Apologies for the tangent about capitalism.)
Since the Munich Summer Games in 1972, there have been 27 official Olympic mascots. Starting with the Seoul Summer Games in 1988, Paralympic mascots were introduced, frequently paired with the Olympic mascots to create even more adorable duos. This list highlights 10 (actually 11) of the most memorable and beloved mascots in Olympic and Paralympic history.
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Honorable Mention: Izzy, Atlanta 1996
The mascot for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, known as Izzy, is a notable departure from traditional Olympic mascots. Instead of an animal or human figure, Izzy was designed as a shape-shifting, computer-generated blob. Initially named "Whatizit," the mascot's name was changed to Izzy after media criticism and legal issues prevented the use of the name "Kirby," which was trademarked by Nintendo.
Izzy's design was intentionally abstract, aimed at avoiding direct references to Atlanta’s history. The mascot was meant to be flexible and morph into various forms, which unfortunately led to its description as “a blue, shape-shifting blob of pure Olympic chaos” by one critic. Time Magazine famously likened Izzy to “a sperm in sneakers,” highlighting its unconventional and perplexing appearance. As the first computer-generated Olympic mascot, Izzy bore similarities to the era's digital icons, such as Microsoft Word's "Clippy."
Despite its innovative design, Izzy was poorly received and remains one of the most controversial mascots in Olympic history. The Paralympic mascot, while less unconventional, was included for historical accuracy alongside Izzy, but it did not capture the same level of attention or critique.
10. Waldi, Munich 1972
The 1972 Munich Olympics introduced the first official mascot, Waldi the Dachshund, whose shape even inspired the marathon course. This unique race began at the neck of the dachshund-shaped route and proceeded counterclockwise. Chosen for his attributes of resistance, tenacity, and agility, Waldi epitomized the qualities essential for Olympic athletes. This sweet little "hot dog" pup was a charming and unthreatening symbol of German culture.
Waldi's design was vibrant and versatile, featuring various color schemes, but his primary palette included blue, green, and gold rings, reflecting the Olympic colors. The organizers deliberately avoided red and black to prevent any associations with Nazi symbolism. Instead, they added light blue and orange to the mix, creating a cheerful and modern look.
The selection of Waldi as the mascot was both a nod to Germany's beloved dachshund breed and a strategic move to present a friendly, approachable image for the games. Waldi's playful design and the thoughtful use of color made him an endearing and memorable symbol of the Munich 1972 Olympics, marking a significant milestone in the history of Olympic mascots.
9. Syd, Olly, Millie, and Lizzie, Sydney 2000
The Sydney 2000 Olympics, the first Games held in Australia, offered a unique opportunity for the world to explore the culture, climate, and wildlife of the Land Down Under. To showcase lesser-known native animals, Australia introduced four mascots: Olly the Kookaburra, Syd the Duck-billed Platypus, Millie the Echidna Anteater, and Lizzie the Frill-necked Lizard for the Paralympics.
Olly, named for the Olympics, symbolized the spirit of the Games with his vibrant and lively design, representing air and the joy of the event. Syd, named after Sydney, embodied the essence of water and the laid-back, friendly nature of Australians with his unique platypus design. Millie, representing the new millennium, symbolized the earth with her echidna design, highlighting Australia's readiness to embrace the future.
Lizzie, the Paralympics mascot, featured a frill-necked lizard whose frill cleverly depicted the shape of Australia. This design highlighted both the unique wildlife and the geographical identity of the host country. Together, these mascots welcomed the world to the Millennium Games with Aussie charm, representing the diverse ecosystems of air, water, and earth, and showcasing the rich wildlife of the sixth continent.
8. Soohorang and Bandabi, PyeongChang 2018
The PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics introduced Soohorang, a white tiger mascot symbolizing strength, trust, and protection. "Soohorang" combines "Sooho," meaning protection, and "Rang," from "Ho-rang-i," the Korean word for tiger. In Korean mythology, the white tiger is a sacred guardian, perfectly representing the spirit of the Winter Olympics. Soohorang’s white fur also reflects the snow and ice of winter sports. This mascot pays homage to Hodori, the beloved tiger mascot from the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, continuing the legacy of tiger-themed symbols in Korean Olympic history.
For the 2018 Winter Paralympics, Bandabi, an Asiatic black bear mascot, was the chosen symbol. The name "Bandabi" combines "Banda," meaning half-moon, and "bi," signifying celebration. The half-moon refers to the crescent on the bear’s chest. Bandabi symbolizes willpower and courage, designed to inspire Paralympians to overcome their limitations. This mascot connects to Gomdoori, the bear mascot of the 1988 Seoul Summer Paralympics, emphasizing continuity and harmony.
These mascots are more than just symbols; their design styles reflect a modern and friendly approach. Soohorang features a sleek, stylized appearance with bold stripes and expressive eyes, making it approachable and dynamic. Bandabi’s design emphasizes warmth and friendliness, with a soft, rounded form and a cheerful expression. Both mascots were created to be relatable and inspiring, capturing the spirit of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Paralympics while continuing the legacy set by Seoul’s iconic mascots.
7. Vinicius and Tom, Rio 2016
The Rio 2016 Olympics, the first Games hosted in South America, celebrated the vibrant natural beauty of Brazil. The event’s bold, bright, and joyful color story was perfectly embodied in its mascots, Vinicius and Tom. Vinicius, the Olympic Games mascot, represented Brazilian fauna with a design that combined elements of cats, monkeys, and birds, reflecting the country's rich biodiversity. His dynamic and playful appearance also drew inspiration from video game characters, making him both relatable and endearing.
Tom, the Paralympic mascot, symbolized the lush flora of Brazil with his magical leafy head. Designed as a fusion of various plant species, Tom highlighted the country's diverse and abundant plant life. His design was not only whimsical but also represented growth, resilience, and the natural beauty of Brazil’s environment.
The names Vinicius and Tom were chosen through a public vote, honoring Vinicius de Moraes and Antônio Carlos "Tom" Jobim, co-writers of the iconic 1962 bossa nova song "The Girl from Ipanema." This connection to Brazil’s rich musical heritage added a layer of cultural significance to the mascots, making them symbols of both the natural and artistic spirit of Rio de Janeiro and the entire country.
6. Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying, Nini, and Fu Niu Lele, Beijing 2008
The Beijing 2008 Olympics featured a vibrant quintet of mascots known as the Fuwa, designed by Chinese artist Han Meilin. Each Fuwa—Beibei the blue fish, Jingjing the black panda, Huanhuan the red child, Yingying the yellow antelope, and Nini the green swallow—represented a natural element (water, forest, fire, earth, and sky) and different regions of China. These mascots mirrored the Olympic ring colors and embodied harmony, joy, and cultural richness. Fun fact: their names form the Chinese phrase "Beijing welcomes you."
The Fuwa’s design was playful yet meaningful. Beibei symbolized water and prosperity, Jingjing represented happiness and forests, Huanhuan embodied the Olympic flame, Yingying stood for adventure and the earth, and Nini symbolized freedom and the sky. Together, they highlighted unity and diversity, making the games memorable and engaging.
For the Paralympics, Fu Niu Lele, a multi-colored cow, symbolized harmony between mankind and nature and the spirit of the Paralympics: "Transcendence, Equality, and Integration." Designed by Wu GuanYing, Fu Niu Lele’s cheerful appearance represented the determination and progress of athletes with disabilities, showcasing an inclusive and festive atmosphere at the Beijing 2008 Games.
5. Wenlock and Mandeville, London 2012
Wenlock and Mandeville, the mascots of the 2012 London Olympics, stand out for their unconventional and futuristic design, evoking comparisons to the alien characters Kang and Kodos from The Simpsons. Their single-eyed, alien-like appearance, along with the graffiti-style logo, generated mixed reactions. Vancouver Sun columnist Harrison Mooney described them as “phallic bugbears” clad in “foppish puffery,” but their memorable design ensured they left a lasting impression.
The mascots’ design and backstory pay homage to Britain’s significant role in the Industrial Revolution, a period that fundamentally shaped the modern world. Wenlock and Mandeville are imagined as the last two drops of molten steel from a beam used in constructing the Olympic Stadium, brought to life by a rainbow. This origin story celebrates London’s pivotal contributions to engineering and industry during the 19th century, aligning with the Games’ theme of innovation and progress.
Their appearance, reminiscent of characters from Doctor Who, complements the Olympics' focus on British heritage and technological achievements. Despite the controversy over their design, Wenlock and Mandeville symbolize the fusion of historical significance and futuristic vision, encapsulating the spirit of the London 2012 Games.
4. Miraitowa and Someity, Tokyo 2020
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics introduced Miraitowa and Someity, mascots that blend traditional Japanese motifs with modern design. Miraitowa, the Olympic mascot, sports a blue-checkered pattern inspired by the ichimatsu moyo design from the Edo period, symbolizing a blend of tradition and innovation. Named from the Japanese words for “future” (未来, mirai) and “eternity” (永久, towa), Miraitowa embodies a sense of enduring optimism and features teleportation abilities, reflecting its “strong sense of justice.”
Someity, the Paralympic mascot, features a pink-checkered design inspired by cherry blossoms, reflecting Japan’s natural beauty. Its name, derived from the Someiyoshino cherry blossom and phonetically resembling “so mighty,” highlights strength and adaptability. Someity’s powers include flying and telepathic communication.
Designed by Ryo Taniguchi, Miraitowa and Someity adopt a manga character style, with their big eyes and vibrant colors echoing popular Japanese animation aesthetics. Despite their creative design, the mascots faced mixed reception. Some critics felt their digital, cartoonish look, coupled with a limited presence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, diminished their impact. Nevertheless, they remain memorable for their symbolic representation of Japan’s heritage and future vision.
3. Misha, Moscow 1980
Misha the Bear was the beloved mascot of the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow, USSR. Officially named Mikhail Potapych Toptygin, Misha embodied the warmth and friendliness of the Soviet Union, drawing on the bear’s prominent place in Russian folklore and culture. Designed by renowned children’s book illustrator Victor Chizhikov, Misha was depicted with a welcoming smile and an athletic stance, aimed at fostering goodwill and easing Cold War tensions during the Games.
Misha's design featured him dressed as a wrestler, complete with a striped belt that represented the five colors of the Olympic rings and the rings in gold as a buckle. This belt symbolized the unity and international spirit of the Olympics, while Misha’s friendly and approachable demeanor made him an effective ambassador for the event.
Misha's legacy extended beyond the Games, notably including a symbolic spaceflight. In 1978, he embarked on a “Soyuz” rocket to the “Salyut 6” space station, highlighting the USSR’s achievements in space exploration. Today, Misha remains a cherished icon, available as a plush toy in the Olympics Heritage Collection, preserving his role as a symbol of Olympic history and Soviet cultural heritage.
2. Quatchi, Miga, Sumi, and Mukmuk, Vancouver 2010
The 2010 Vancouver Winter Games showcased a rich blend of British Columbia’s natural beauty and Indigenous culture. The official logo featured an Inukshuk, a traditional stone landmark used by the Inuit people, symbolizing guidance and community. This cultural homage extended to the mascots, inspired by First Nations legends and the region’s mythical creatures.
The Olympic mascots were Quatchi, a mythical sasquatch adorned with ear muffs, and Miga, a whimsical sea bear cub with traits of both an orca and a Kermode bear, wearing a green scarf. Quatchi and Miga embodied the region’s folklore, representing the spirit of the Winter Olympics with their unique and enchanting designs.
For the Paralympics, Sumi, a chimera-like guardian spirit, served as the mascot. Sumi combined elements of an orca whale, a thunderbird, and a black bear, with features such as an orca whale hat, thunderbird wings, and bear legs. This design reflected the diverse elements of Indigenous mythology and nature. Accompanying them was Mukmuk, a small and friendly Vancouver Island marmot, who served as a cheerful fan for all. The mascots collectively celebrated the cultural and natural heritage of British Columbia, adding a distinctive and memorable touch to the Vancouver 2010 Games.
1. The Phryges, Paris 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympics mascots have quickly become a standout feature of the Games. For the first time, an inanimate object—the Phrygian cap—has been transformed into mascots for the Olympics. These two anthropomorphic Phrygian caps, representing Olympic and Paralympic athletes, are inspired by the iconic symbol of freedom from the French Revolution. The choice of Phrygian caps pays homage to Marianne, the embodiment of liberty, equality, and fraternity in France, who is often depicted wearing this hat. This unique approach highlights Paris's rich cultural heritage while marking a departure from the traditional animal or creature mascots.
The Phryges are not only historically significant but also stylishly designed. They feature distinctive outfit details such as flag-themed lashes, a playful dip in the cap's tip reminiscent of the Smurfs, and practical, sporty footwear. The Olympic Phryge sports sneakers, while the Paralympic Phryge is depicted with a visible prosthetic, reflecting inclusivity and representing the diverse range of athletes participating in the Games.
These mascots have been widely featured on the Olympics website, promoting various sports through engaging and adorable sporty illustrations. The New York Times described them as "sporty, party-loving, and so French," capturing their vibrant and dynamic essence. While some comparisons have been unconventional, calling them a “clitoris in trainers,” likening it to the giant inflatable clitoris put up in a demonstration for International Women’s Day 2021. We, here at GPCD, support sex positivity in all shapes and forms. The Phryges' design celebrates both the spirit of the Games and the innovative spirit of Paris 2024, making them a memorable and distinctive symbol of the upcoming Olympics.
Disagree with our rankings? Which Mascot did we forget? Drop a comment below!
