2000 Sydney Olympics
The first Olympics of the new millenium, the Sydney olympics had three mascots- Syd, Olly and Millie. The first one represented the environment and the activity and energy of Australia as well as its population. The second one represents the Olympic spirit of generosity while the third knew all about technological and numerical data.
2004 Athens Olympics
The Olympic Games returned to the Greek capital of Athens in 2004. Athena and Phevos were the mascots for these Games. They were named after Greek gods and according to the Organdising Committee, represented participation, brotherhood, equality, cooperation, fair play [and] the everlasting Greek value of human scale."
2008 Beijing Olympics
The Beijing Olympics in 2008 had as many as 5 mascots, namely Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Nini. Each of them were given the name “Fuwa”. Each of the mascots represented one particular continent. Beibei represented Europe, Jingjing represented Africa, Huanhuan representing America, Yingying representing Asia and Nini representing Oceania.
2012 London Olympics
The London Olympics 4 years ago had 2 mascots- Wenlock and Mandeville who according to a fictional storyline were made of the last girder of the Olympic stadium. The five friendship rings on Wenlock’s hands represent the Olympic rings and three on his head represents the three places on the podium.
The three spikes of Mandeville’s head represents the Paralympic Agitos.
2016 Rio Olympics
Vinicius will be the mascot for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The former’s design represents Brazilian wildlife, combining “"the agility of cats, sway of monkeys and grace of birds."
