The official mascot of the 2024 Paris Olympics is the Olympic Phryge, based on traditional Phrygian hats symbolizing liberty and the French Republic.
The Phrygian caps have historical significance in France as an international symbol of freedom, seen on Marianne figures and various national items.
While some have criticized the Phryges mascots as perplexing, a poll found that 75% of French adults and 83% of children liked them.
Weird Olympic mascots are not uncommon, and the Phryges are part of a line of bizarre mascots that have puzzled viewers over the years. The list includes London's 2012' Wenlock and Mandeville, Athens' 2004 Athena and Phevos, Atlanta's 1996 Izzy, and many others.
Mascots were first introduced at the Olympic Games in 1968 at the Winter Games in Grenoble, France.
The 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, mark the third time the French capital hosts the Summer Games, following 1900 and 1924, making it the second city to host the Olympics three times. The opening ceremony on July 26 coincides with the 1924 Paris Olympics closing, creating a historical link.
Sources: New York Times, NBC News, CBS News, USA Today, New York Post, Yahoo News, Straits Times, Times of India, Republic World, theSkimm, The Sun.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
