Meet all the mascots of the Olympics since 1972

Fundamental pieces of the Olympic Games, the mascots represent the values ​​of each edition.

The mascot of the 2024 Olympics in France has a name. Phryge represents a Phrygian cap, which refers to the French Revolution. The tradition of Olympic mascots, which began in 1972, already has 14 emblematic characters, including the French mascot.

So, today, we decided to recall the ambassadors of the Olympic Games who were so important in welcoming athletes and the general public. Check it out below!

1.  Waldi

The first mascot of the Olympic Games dates back to 1972, when the city of Munich hosted the event. The mascot in question was nicknamed Waldi, a colorful basset hound. Incidentally, the puppy was also represented in real life by Cherie von Birkenhof, which symbolized resistance and agility.

2.  amik

At the 1976 Montreal games, the beaver Amik, a character who also represents the Canadian capital, gave the appearance of grace. Furthermore, the choice of this mascot is due to the fact that the animal is a symbol of the hard work and patience of the athletes.

3.  Misha

Moscow in 1980 was the great host of the Olympics, bringing the bear Misha, a great Russian idol, as a mascot. In fact, the teddy bear was so charismatic that it went down in the history of the event as the most beloved mascot of all time.

Incidentally, at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in the Soviet Union, Misha 'broke down in tears' with emotion.

4.  eagle sam

In 1984, it was Los Angeles' turn to host the competition. Thus, the eagle Sam arrived with all his optimism to lift the games.

The representation of Sam was full of symbolism, since the mascot made reference to the eagle (a symbol dear to the USA) and Uncle Sam – the personification of the USA. In addition, Sam the eagle was developed by Disney studios, even winning a cartoon.

5.  hodori

The mascot of the Seoul Olympic Games was the Hodori tiger, which means little tiger. Hodori is also associated in South Korea with the ideas of nobility and bravery. By the way, although not as popular as Hodori, there is a female version of the mascot called Hosuni.

In addition to the Olympics, the South Korean icon was successful when he won his own comic book, “Come, Hodori”, awarded in a Korean contest in 1988.

6.  Cobi

Another dog became the mascot of the Olympics, now based in Barcelona in 1972. Cobi, the catalan shepherd in a suit and tie, was a symbol of the competition and was so successful that it even got a cartoon.

By the way, it is worth mentioning that the name Cobi alludes to COOB'92, an abbreviation of the Barcelona Olympic Organizing Committee '92.

7. Izzy

The first abstract mascot in the history of the Olympics appeared in 1996 in Atlanta. computer generated, Izzy represented the future, given different physical appearances to represent different sports categories.

His name refers to the expression 'what's it', since his personality was unknown even by the creators.

8. Olly, Syd and Millie

The 2.000 Sydney Olympics hosted 3 mascots, all of them animals native to Australia. Thus, Olly, a Kookaburra, represented air and generosity while Syd, the platypus, represented water and the environment. Millie, an echidna, represented the earth and the beginning of a new millennium.

9. Athena and Phevos

As a good son at home makes, in 2004, the Olympics were held in Athens. The games in Greece used two human figures, Athena and Phevos, as mascots.

The mascot Athena paid homage to the goddess Athena, the deity of wisdom, while Phevos would be another way of naming Apollo, the god of music. Both mascots represented a connection between ancient and modern games.

10. Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Nini

In Beijing, the number of mascots drew attention. In total of 5, the members of the Olympic group received the name of Fuwa, lucky dolls. They are: the Huanhuan Olympic fire, the Beibei fish, the Nini swallow, the Jingjing panda and the Yingying antelope.

The names of the mascots, once joined, form the following sentence: Beijing Huan Ying Ni – Welcome to Beijing. The group also won a cartoon, which was successful in Japan.

11. Wenlock and Mandeville

London 2012 chose two mascots: Wenlock and Mandeville. According to the story, these Olympic mascots were made from the scrap steel, used in the construction of the Olympic stadium.

Wenlock took inspiration from the town of Much Wenlock, and Mandeville from Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the pioneering institution of Paralympic Games.

12. Vinicius

A tribute to the poet and composer Vinícius de Moraes, the mascot Vinícius was the representative of the time at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Thus, the idea was that the character could demonstrate Brazilian diversity. Therefore, Vinicius was a composition of different Brazilian animals, in addition to his inspiration being games and pop culture.

13. Miraitowa

In 2020, at the Tokyo Olympics, it was Miraitowa's turn to shine as the star of the games. Its name derived from the words 'future' and 'eternity' was chosen with the aim of inciting belief in a hopeful future.

With your futuristic theme, whose greatest inspiration was anime, Miraitowa came to represent the innovation of the host of the Olympics.

Did you like the mascots of the Olympics? If you like sports, so be sure to check out our other publications about the different sports here on the site. Until later!