The Secrets Behind the Creation of Olympic Mascots

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Mascots of the Olympics Mascots have become an integral part of the Olympic Games. These adorable and imaginative characters aim to represent the spirit and culture of the host country, as well as to engage and entertain the audience. Since their debut in the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, mascots have become beloved symbols of the Games. The mascots are often designed to reflect a specific theme or story related to the host country's culture, history, or natural surroundings. They are typically depicted as animals, mythical creatures, or even inanimate objects that embody the values and traditions of the nation. One of the most iconic examples is Misha, the bear mascot of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.


The mascot initially approved to represent the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games was a bear, animal present in the flag of California, state where the host city is located. But Misha's 1980 success made organizers decide to switch animals. Disney studios were hired and the eagle, the American national bird, was chosen. The name Sam had a political connotation as well, since it referred to Uncle Sam, a famous character on the country's army recruitment posters. Bob Moore, one of the main designers of Donald Duck, was the one who idealized the mascot, which was successful, but not even far from reaching the feet of Misha's prestige.

The clothing of the Paralympic mascot, colored in green and gold and in the shape of Australia, represents the country, with the ocher body mirroring the color of the earth. Olly, whose name derives from the Olympics, is a kookaburra bird, Syd, reduced version of Sydney, is a platypus, and Millie, named after the new millennium, was an echidna, a kind of porcupine.

Mascots of the olympiics

One of the most iconic examples is Misha, the bear mascot of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Misha, who was not only the first mascot of the Summer Games but also the first officially named Olympic mascot, quickly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. His playful and friendly demeanor, coupled with his determination to excel in all Olympic sports, made him a memorable figure.

Mascots in Olympics between 1968 - 2022

For several decades now, mascots have been a permanent fixture in major sporting events. We listed all the mascots in summer and winter Olympic Games.

Etusuora: 31.01.2022 12:28 Cross-country skiing

Mascots are most often used for event branding as good mascots are remembered and readily linked with the sporting event itself. Mascots are also easy for children to approach so they can feel more present at the sports event.

The Olympics mascots have almost always been animal themed. The first official mascot was a dog named ”Waldi”, who was the event mascot for the Munich Olympics in 1972. Before this, the Winter Games of Grenoble in 1968 also had an unofficial mascot that was designed overnight.

Today, designing the mascots is no small side note to event planning - large advertising agencies are also employed in mascot design. For instance, the mascot for the Sochi Olympics was chosen via an international competition that produced more than 24,000 mascot proposals.

Especially during this millennium, the mascot comprises more than one character.

Mascots of the olympiics

Another notable mascot is Wenlock, the one-eyed creature representing the 2012 London Olympics. Inspired by the story of Much Wenlock, a town in Shropshire that is considered the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games, Wenlock showcased the fusion of tradition and innovation. His metallic body, adorned with the five Olympic rings, showcased the harmony between history and modernity. Similarly, the 2016 Rio Olympics introduced Vinicius and Tom as the official mascots. These vibrant creatures, inspired by Brazil's rich biodiversity, represented the country's vibrancy and diversity. Vinicius, named after Vinicius de Moraes, a famous Brazilian musician, symbolized the joy and enthusiasm of the Brazilian people. On the other hand, Tom paid homage to Tom Jobim, a renowned composer and creator of bossa nova music, representing the harmony and rhythm of the Brazilian culture. Mascots not only bring delight to spectators, but they also play a valuable role in promoting the Olympic Games. They are often used as marketing tools, appearing on various merchandise, including clothing, toys, and collectibles. Additionally, they serve as ambassadors, participating in various events and projects leading up to and after the Games. In conclusion, mascots have become an essential component of the Olympic Games, representing the unique spirit and culture of the host country. They serve to engage and entertain audiences, leaving a lasting impression on people's hearts and minds. Through their presence, mascots contribute to the overall success and enjoyment of the Olympic Games..

Reviews for "The Role of Olympic Mascots in Highlighting Environmental Issues"

1. Mark - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Mascots of the Olympics". The story felt scattered and confusing, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The humor also fell flat for me. I wanted to like this film because I usually enjoy animated movies, but unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Mascots of the Olympics", but it didn't live up to my expectations. The animation was visually stunning, but the plot felt convoluted and rushed. I also found the characters to be one-dimensional and unmemorable. Overall, it was an okay film, but it definitely didn't stand out among other animated movies I've seen.
3. Chris - 2/5 stars - I found "Mascots of the Olympics" to be incredibly boring. The pacing was slow, and the story lacked depth. The jokes were predictable and didn't make me laugh. I was hoping for a fun and entertaining film, but instead, I was left feeling bored and unengaged. I wouldn't recommend this movie to others.

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