There were five mascots, collectively called Fuwa, for the Beijing Games. A kookaburra, platypus and echidna who represented earth, air and water.įUWA - Beijing 2008. The name for Izzy came from the phrase 'Whatizit?' because no one seemed to know exactly what Izzy really was The surreal dog took a while for Spaniards to get used to. Mikhail Potapych Toptygin, or Misha the bear, was created by children's illustrator Victor Chizikov.ĬOBI - Barcelona 1992. The toy version of the Winter Games' snowman is now a sought-after collectors item. The colourful dachshund was the first Olympic mascot. The orange light bearing the M and W above the single eye is inspired by the light on top of a London black cab. Well according to London Mayor Boris Johnson they do, he said they were a 'solid coalition', adding: 'It's hard to imagine a mascot more in tune with the times.'įor those wondering about the rest of the symbolism encapsulated in two small metal figures, who in actual one-eyed steel form could probably feature on Dr Who, here's an explanation. They were fashioned into figures and magically came to life and set about making a journey to the Olympics in London. A whole story has been created to explain that - they are said to have been fashioned from the last drops of steel left over from the final support girder of the Olympic stadium when it was made in Bolton.

Looking for ways to inspire those in his care he encouraged them to take up sport and the Stoke Mandeville Games was formed, widely recognised as a forerunner of the modern Paralympic movement.

London olympic games 2012 mascot