London 2012 Launches Olympic Mascot

Following in the tradition of great Olympic mascots such as Quatchi and Miga (Vancouver 2010), Cobi (Barcelona 1992) and Misha (Moscow 1980), the London 2012 Organising Committee has launched its own Olympic mascot. Going by the name of Wenlock, the mascot was created from one of the last two drops of the British steel being used for London’s Olympic Stadium. With a shiny outer skin and a single eye, Wenlock will travel around Great Britain over the next two years as it heads towards its ultimate destination – the Olympic Games in London in July 2012.

Learn About the Games

Wenlock’s head is inspired by the lights on London’s iconic black taxis, and the shape of its head is based on that of London’s Olympic Stadium roof. It also has three points on its head, which represent the places on the medals podium. Wenlock loves all Olympic sport, and will do its best to learn everything that it can about them between now and the Games.

Do Your Best

The only thing Wenlock likes better than learning about the Olympics is making friends and seeing other people make friends. Wenlock wears five friendship bands in the colour of the Olympic rings, and is looking forward to making as many friends as possible between now and Games time. It really likes meeting people who inspire it to be its personal best, and Wenlock plans on doing all it can to help you do your best, too.

Waldi, the Dachshund

The first official Olympic mascot - Waldi the dachshund - was launched on the occasion of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. An unofficial mascot called “Schuss” had appeared at the 1968 Winter Games in Grenoble. Since that time, the mascot has become a regular feature at the Games, appearing alone or with friends and taking not only animal forms but also those of traditional dolls, and even an ice cube and a piece of snow!

Find out more about all the past Olympic Summer Games mascots