The mascots of the Olympics play a significant role in enhancing the spirit and identity of the Games. These lovable characters represent the host country's culture and values while also embracing the Olympic ideals. They serve as ambassadors, connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds. One of the main purposes of mascots is to generate excitement and encourage public engagement. They often appear in a wide range of promotional materials, such as posters, merchandise, and advertisements. Their presence helps build anticipation and enthusiasm leading up to the Games, creating a sense of unity among supporters and participants.
Turin Olympics: “YES.”
The Nagano mascots look like the creations of kindergarteners asked to draw what they thought owls would look like if they were in the Yellow Submarine music video. And while many will turn to Pyeongchang for the speed of downhill skiing or the power and grace of figure skating, the most exciting part of my Olympic experience was teased around 20 months ago, when the Olympic organizing committee announced that a white tiger named Soohorang would be the official mascot of the 2018 games and the 25th mascot in Olympic history.
Their presence helps build anticipation and enthusiasm leading up to the Games, creating a sense of unity among supporters and participants. Mascots also play a crucial role in fostering a sense of national pride. By embodying the essence of the host country, they celebrate its unique heritage and traditions.
Winter Olympic Games Mascots
There have been Olympic mascots since the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. They are now an integral part of the promotion and commercial success of the Games.
The mascot is a character, often an animal native to the area who represents the place where the Games are taking place.
| Year | Mascot Names | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Beijing | Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon | The Winter Olympic Games mascot is a panda named Bing Dwen Dwenwhich has a "suit of ice, a heart of gold and a love of all things winter sports". For the Paralympic Games, the mascot is a Chinese lantern child named Shuey Rhon Rhon. |
| 2018 | Pyeongchang | Soohorang | white tiger "Soohorang" and an Asiatic black bear "Bandabi" for the Winter Paralympics. |
| 2014 | Sochi | Bely Mishka (polar bear), Snow Leopard (leopard), Zaika (hare) | A public vote decided the three mascots, a Polar Bear, European Hare and Amur Leopard. A Ray of Light and a Snowflake were selected to be the mascots of the Paralympic Games. |
| 2010 | Vancouver | Miga, Quatchi and Sumi | Miga is part Kermode bear, a rare white bear that only lives in British Columbia. Quatchi is a young sasquatch, the sasquatch is a popular figure in local native legends of the Pacific West Coast. Sumi is an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia. Sumi’s name comes from the Salish word “Sumesh” which means “guardian spirit.” |
| 2006 | Torino | Neve and Gliz | The two characters represented a snowball and ice cube |
| 2002 | Salt Lake City | Copper, Powder and Coal | The three mascots were characters of a coyote, snowshoe and Coal Bear, representing Higher, Faster, Stronger. |
| 1998 | Nagano | Sukki, Nokki, Lekki and Tsukk | The four owls were collectively known as The Snowlets. They represented the four major islands of Japan. Also the first syllable of each name combines phonetically to create the word "Snowlets". |
| 1994 | Lillehammer | Håkon and Kristin | The mascots were two Norwegian children, dressed in traditional Norwegian clothes. |
| 1992 | Albertville | Magique | Magique was a snow imp. It plays with the concept of dream and imagination through its star-like shape. |
| 1988 | Calgary | Hidy and Howdy | The Calgary mascots were two polar bears, representing Western Canadian hospitality. |
| 1984 | Sarajevo | Vučko | A newspaper poll chose Vučko, a wolf designed by Slovenian illustrator Jože Trobec. The little wolf symbolized the desire of humans to befriend animals. The other finalists were a chipmunk, a lamb, a mountain goat, a porcupine, and a snowball. |
| 1980 | Lake Placid | Roni | Roni was a raccoon. Its face design resembled the hat and goggles used by competitors. |
| 1976 | Innsbruck | Schneemann | A Snowman, representing the Games of Simplicity. |
| 1972 | Sapporo | none | |
| 1968 | Grenoble | Schuss | Schuss was the image of a stylized skier, the first Olympic mascot. |
Sochi Mascots at the Opening Ceremony
Whether it's through their appearance, name, or backstory, mascots symbolize the cultural identity of the nation and promote a positive image on a global stage. Moreover, mascots act as storytellers, conveying a message that goes beyond sports. They typically have a captivating storyline that promotes essential values such as friendship, perseverance, and fair play. Through their journeys, mascots inspire and motivate people of all ages, instilling a sense of sportsmanship and the Olympic spirit. These characters often become beloved figures, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of fans. From iconic mascots like Misha the bear to more recent ones like Miraitowa and Someity, their endearing traits and memorable designs make them memorable symbols of the Games. In conclusion, the mascots of the Olympics fulfill multiple roles. They generate excitement, foster national pride, convey a meaningful message, and leave a lasting impact on the hearts of fans. These lovable characters add charm and personality to each edition of the Games, embodying the spirit of unity, diversity, and excellence that define the Olympic movement..
Reviews for "Where are They Now? Tracking the Post-Olympics Journey of Mascots"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Mascots of the Olympics". The film seemed to lack a coherent storyline and instead jumped from one random mascot to another without any real connection. Additionally, the humor fell flat for me, with most of the jokes feeling forced and predictable. Overall, I found the film to be quite tedious to watch and would not recommend it to others.
2. Alex - 1 star - "Mascots of the Olympics" was a complete waste of time in my opinion. The portrayal of the mascots was incredibly cheesy and didn't add anything meaningful to the film. The plot was virtually nonexistent, and the attempts at humor were cringe-worthy at best. It's a movie I couldn't wait to finish and forget about. Save yourself the disappointment and avoid this one.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Mascots of the Olympics", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional, and the storyline lacked depth and substance. The film seemed to rely heavily on slapstick humor, which got old very quickly. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and uninspiring addition to the comedy genre.