The Olympic mascot, those fun and often fuzzy characters that represent the Games, have a surprisingly recent history. They weren’t a part of the ancient Olympics, but rather a modern invention.
The first official mascot, a two-toned character named “Shuss” on skis, was created for the 1968 Grenoble Winter Games in France. The designer, Aline Lafargue, came up with the idea in just one night! She envisioned Shuss as a fun and friendly symbol of the Games.
However, the mascot really gained popularity with the 1972 Munich Olympics. This is when a dachshund named “Waldi” was introduced as the mascot, and he was a huge hit! He was the first mascot to be designed specifically for the Summer Olympics, and he became a symbol of the Games around the world.
Since then, Olympic mascots have become a staple of the Games. Each host city has the opportunity to create a mascot that reflects its own culture and history.
You might see a panda bear, a tiger, a beaver, or even a pair of one-eyed aliens! These mascots are often designed to appeal to kids, making the Games more fun and accessible to everyone. They also become a key part of the Games’ marketing, appearing on everything from souvenirs to merchandise.
The mascot also has a deeper purpose, serving as an ambassador for the Games, representing the ideals of peace, friendship, and sportsmanship.
References
- Fun or frightening? A brief history of Olympic mascot design | CNN
- What’s the History of Olympic Mascots? | NBC Insider
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