5. Vučko
Games: Winter, Sarajevo, 1984
About: With his sly smirk and courageous Olympic spirit, Vučko possessed personality as well as an important message: Humans can live harmoniously with animals. This friendly little wolf had the PR prowess to spin the unflattering portrayal of his animal counterparts in Sarajevo from bloodthirsty, fearsome beasts to beautiful, majestic creatures that deserve our respect.
Why I like him: Vučko embodied Sarjevo`s character, culture, and image, but added a modern twist with his enlightening message of animal rights. He was also such a powerful symbol to his country that he was able to influence his people to see animals in a different light. Not many people can pull a feat like that, so the fact that a cartoon wolf did is pretty amazing.
4. Magique
Games: Winter, Albertville, 1992
About: Half man-half star, all dream. Magique had the star power to ignite imagination and symbolized the Olympic dreams of the spectators and the athletes.
Why I like him: Magique gets bonus points with me because the star is my favourite and self-proclaimed symbol. But I also love what he represents: dreams and imagination. Those are the two things that everyone must have, because what is life without a dream, and the imagination to live it?
3. Hidy and Howdy
Games: Winter, Calgary, 1988
About: The inseparable siblings, Hidy and Howdy, were two western-themed polar bears that welcomed the world to their home on the range: Calgary. Their names reflected warmth and openness while their country personas got the fun started, putting the Wild back in West.
Why I like them: These have to be the most adorable teddy bears ever created. While they do embody the cowpoke stereotype of the Canadian (and American) Midwest, they were fun and symbolized an important element of the culture and history of Calgary. Another thing I like about Hidy and Howdy are that, unlike some other Olympic mascots, they will never get dated; their easily recognizable Cowboy and Cowgirl style will still always represent the spirit of their home city. Isn’t that what a mascot is meant to do?
2. Quatchi
Games: Winter, Vancouver, 2010
About: Quatchi was created by designers Vicki Wong and Michael Murphy of the Vancouver and L.A. based company, MEOMI. Quatchi is a sports-loving, goal-tending, gentle giant, with hockey dreams as big as he is. Quatchi’s message is that there is still mystery and wonder in the natural world, just waiting to be discovered. Not only does Quatchi represent the Winter Games, but also the strange and magnificent creatures, known and unknown, of the Canadian wilderness.
Why I like him: When the Vancouver 2010 mascots were first released, people were disappointed, even enraged, by their un-Canadian, Anime-esque design, and undecipherable forms. Without background knowledge, Sumi and Miga might as well have been poster children for anti-G.E. foods. But Quatchi, he was different. He immediately appealed to me because I knew what he was at first glance: BC’s own Sasquatch. And we all know how much I LOOOOVE the Sasquatch. Many provinces and States claim to be the true home of the Sasquatch, but none have had as many sightings as BC has, making him the perfect emblem for the Games. So while the other two struggle through identity crisis (by the way, I always thought Miga looked a bit like the Fosters Freeze guy, no?), and Mukmuk continues to be a hanger-on, Quatchi’s getting all the 2010 glory.
See the similarities? I KNOW you can see them!
1. Sam
Games: Summer, Los Angeles, 1984
About: Sam was created by Disney and is arguably one of the most recognizable and popular Olympic mascots in the 40 years since the first mascot was created for the Games. Sam is still in use, too, promoting track and field events such as the Mt. SAC Relays and LA84 Youth Days at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California.
Why I like him: Sam is the most patriotic mascot ever created, representing the most patriotic Olympic Games ever held. He is every symbol of the United States put together: the bald eagle, Uncle Sam, and the red, white, and blue of the flag. Sam is not afraid to show his true colors, and represented a time when his country wasn't afraid, either (need I mention USA House again?). The '84 Olympics were in my opinion the best Games ever held. They were the first to generate a profit and are still considered the most financially successful modern Games ever; Mary Lou Retton scored a perfect 10 on the vault, winning gold for the USA and cementing her status as a beloved sports icon; the Amateur Athletic Foundation was created to promote youth sports in Southern California; President Ronald Reagan opened the ceremonies. It was a great time, a very proud time for the USA.
And that is why Sam the Olympic Eagle is my number 1 favorite mascot, because he reminds me of happier times, of great times, of a spirit I truly love.
I hope you enjoyed my list.
Stay Golden!
-Bonnie
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