3 Iconic Olympic Games Mascots that stood out ft. Athens 2004, Beijing 2008

The Olympic Games are the world's most iconic multi-sporting extravaganza. The mascots from each Games are an intrinsic part of the image and experience of the Olympics, seeking to represent the identity and the approach of the host nation.

The Paris Olympics' official mascot is named Olympic Phyrge. It is based on the traditional Phrygian hats that were popular in medieval France and have long represented freedom. Olympic Phyrge also "represent[s] allegorical figures of the French republic," according to the official description of the 2024 Olympics mascot.

Although the idea of an Olympic Games mascot came up for the Los Angeles 1932 Games in the form of Smoky, a Scottish terrier, it wasn't until the Munich Olympics in 1972 that the IOC formally adopted the idea of a mascot for the Summer Olympic Games, with Waldi the dachshund.

Here are some of the most iconic Olympic Games mascots that stood out for either their innovation or the way they attracted the masses towards the Olympics:

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Olympic Games Mascots that stood out ft. Athens 2004, Beijing 2008

#3) Wenlock [London Olympics 2012]:

Wenlock, the mascot of the London Olympic Games 2012 [Image Source: Getty]

Wenlock was created and conceptualized by Sir Michael Morpurgo. According to Morpurgo's concept, Wenlock's metallic look was linked to his creation from the last drop of the steel girders used in building the Olympic Stadium, the main venue for the London Games. The same was the case for Mandeville, which was the mascot for the London Paralympics of 2012.

The eye is a camera in disguise and on the heads of both Wenlock and Mandeville are yellow lights, which symbolize the iconic London taxi.

Much Wenlock, the inspiration for the modern Olympic Games [Image Source :Getty]

Interestingly, Wenlock and Mandeville were named after two hamlets, Much Wenlock and Stoke Mandeville in the United Kingdom. Wenlock's Olympian Games of 1850 partly inspired Pierre de Coubertin to start the modern Olympic Games.

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#2) The Fuwa [Beijing HuanYing Ni - Beijing Olympics 2008]:

Chinese New Year celebrated with the Beijing Olympics mascots, 'The Fuwa' in background [Image Sources: Getty]

Originally, The Fuwa were named "The Friendlies". However, the organizers later renamed it as "The Fuwa". Though there was no official explanation, it was speculated to be because of misinterpretation for a few reasons, including the name's similarity to "friendless."

'The Fuwa' were five good luck Chinese dolls, who represented the five Olympic rings. They were named Bei Bei, Jing Jing, Huan Huan, Ying Ying and Ni Ni. Together they form the sentence, "Beijing HuanYing Ni", which in Cantonese means "Beijing Welcomes You!"

Interestingly, the creator, Han Meilin, suffered two heart attacks while designing "The Fuwa". However, his efforts paid off, and "The Fuwa" became quite popular during the Beijing Olympics.

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#1) Athena & Phevos [Athens Olympics 2004]:

Athena and Phevos, the mascots of the Athens Olympics 2004 [Image Source: Getty]

Sometimes, simplicity is the best policy, and it seems to have been followed by the organizers of the the Athens Olympics.

The mascots of the Athens Olympics, Athena & Phevos, looked like a simple design but had an important cultural link. According to the official sources, an ancient Greek doll was the inspiration behind their creation, and their names were connected to ancient Greek culture.

Phevos is the God of medicine and music, while Athena was regarded as the Goddess of wisdom and courage.Athena and Phevos thus connected the Greek heritage with the modern Olympic Games.