They may have just one eye and may look like a cross between Sonic the Hedgehog and characters from Disney film Monsters Inc., but these blob-like creatures, namely Wenlock and Mandeville, will represent the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics respectively. This two cartoon animations made from the last drop of steel left over from the construction of the final support girder for the Olympic Stadium has already created a stir among the public. Created with kids in mind, these animated mascots have been conceived and created to relay the history of Olympics and Paralympics as well as to inspire the young generation to strive for the best. Unveiled almost 2 years back, the mascots have garnered both appreciation and dissension by critics and public. For those who are longing to see the animated version of the mascots, you will find them in the official games website where you can see them play different Olympic sports as the Games approach. These mascots form a key tool in marketing and the merchandising and animated footage will also be promoted. Buckle up, as these mascots take you over through the journey of the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Wenlock and Mandeville
Design Features of Mascot
These one eyed mascots are considered to be apt for the London Olympics 2012, those of which are named after two small towns.
Wenlock Features:
Wenlock has been named after Much Wenlock, which is a village in Shropshire. One would imagine how significant this place is. Well, this was where an event held in the 19th century inspired modern Games initially.
Do you know who the national ambassadors for the 2012 London Olympics are? If no, then scroll down the write-up to learn more about London Olympics Mascots.
London Olympic Mascots
- The shape of the head is designed to represent the shape of three medals — gold, silver and bronze.
- A close look at the mascot and you can see the five colors of Olympic rings in the form of a friendship band. It is out to treat everyone as his friend!
- A taxi light is designed with regard to the inspiration received from the lights of the London’s black taxis.
- It is fitted with a camera to record spectacular performances.
Mandeville Features:
Mandeville is the name of the hospital where the Paralympic Games were initially founded. These distinctly British mascots seem like Tolkein characters, but in reality they are not.
Mandeville is the name of the hospital where the Paralympic Games were initially founded. These distinctly British mascots seem like Tolkein characters, but in reality they are not.
- Shape of the head: It features three Paralympic colors and appears like an aerodynamic helmet.
- Personal Timer: You have your watches to keep track of the time. What about the mascot? Well, it has its own best timer and will keep track of the performances held.
- Taxi Light: No, the mascots won’t disappear at night. It has got its taxi light which will keep the track visibly clear even in the dark. It is inspired from London’s black taxis.
- Camera: Mandeville is also capable of recording everything with his camera near his eye.
Much Awaited Design
The official logo of Olympics was released three years ago and people were in much anticipation to welcome the new design of the mascot. When the organizers unveiled Wenlock and Mandeville, the mascot designers truly felt that they finally succeeded in realizing their goal. They had their fingers crossed for the positive response of the audience which seemed to work perfectly for them. They reflect people, places and the things which London has to offer to its guests.
Earlier Mascots
Remember Sam, the American eagle? Well, for those who don't, it is the first commercial mascot which appeared in Olympics, Los Angeles in the year 1984. Way down the times during the 1968 Winter Games held at Grenoble, France, every Game has had its own mascot.
The official logo of Olympics was released three years ago and people were in much anticipation to welcome the new design of the mascot. When the organizers unveiled Wenlock and Mandeville, the mascot designers truly felt that they finally succeeded in realizing their goal. They had their fingers crossed for the positive response of the audience which seemed to work perfectly for them. They reflect people, places and the things which London has to offer to its guests.
Earlier Mascots
Remember Sam, the American eagle? Well, for those who don't, it is the first commercial mascot which appeared in Olympics, Los Angeles in the year 1984. Way down the times during the 1968 Winter Games held at Grenoble, France, every Game has had its own mascot.
- Hodori: This sorry looking tiger, which enthralled the hearts of the crowd during Seoul Olympics, in 1988, was created by Kim Hyund. Behind this creation was the heavy influence of Kellogg’s cereal and Garfield.
- In 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the design of an anthropomorphic Cobi, the Catalan sheepdog was created. Inspired by Picasso, the Spanish designer Javier Mariscal also gave the creation two eyes in the front of his head.
- You might not have forgotten Izzy, the Whatizit for sure! It was the mascot for the 1996 Summer Games held in Atlanta. Being the first computer rendered mascot, it was designed by John Ryan who underwent several researches to make this mascot look more athletic.
- Phevos and Athena represent siblings of the Greek Gods. Hence, it was designed in order to remark the ancient statutory to be used in 2004 Games. These mascots were thought to have the look of the Dark Ages.
- Fuwa, the Beijing mascot of 2008 games, was modeled in such a way so as to render the Chinese traditional folk art style to the rest of the world.
After this, all the enthusiastic eyes lay widely on Wenlock and Mandeville waiting to be a part of the story that they narrate in the extravagant grounds of London Olympics, 2012.