London 2012 Olympics have announced their mascots, and of course we were keen to learn more about these energetic, metallic creatures, so….
Who Are They?
Firstly we have Wenlock – the mascot for the Olympics -
Wenlock takes his name from Much Wenlock in Shropshire, the town at the heart of Olympic history. In the 19th century, Baron Pierre de Coubertin was invited to the town to watch the ‘Much Wenlock Games’ which were inspired by the original Olympic Games of ancient Greece. De Coubertin was so inspired by these games that he went off to found the modern Olympic movement.
And Mandeville - the mascot for the Paralympic Games -
Mandeville’s name is inspired by Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire, the birthplace of the Paralympic Games. The first games were held in 1948, by Sir Ludwig Guttmann in Stoke Mandeville for World War II soldiers with spinal injuries. It was from here that the Paralympics grew and became the wonderful event it is today.
What Are They?
Both mascots are steel drops – the last two drops of British steel used for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. Being metallic, the mascots are shiny which is why they reflect the people, places and things they meet as they travel around the UK before June 2012.
Why Do They Look The Way They Do?
Wenlock
Wenlock is designed the way he is to incorporate everything important about London 2012.
Light on his head – inspired by the London iconic black taxis
Shape of his head – the shape of the Olympic Stadium roof
Three points on his head – the three places on the podium
Eye – a camera lens to capture everything Wenlock sees on his travels
Bracelets on his wrists – the Olympic rings representing friendship bands
Mandeville
Mandeville is designed to be the best that he can be! Always pushing himself with a new challenge.
Light on his head – inspired by the London iconic black taxis
Eye – a camera lens to capture all of the excitement leading up to the games
Three prongs on his head – the three parts of the Paralympic emblem
Tail and hands – aerodynamic as a spirit in motion and always trying to beat his personal best
Personal timer on his wrist – helps him keep on track with his personal bests
We here at Flemings can’t wait to see these energetic and exciting characters around London now that we know a little more about them!
