With the recent unveiling of Vancouver's 2010 Olympic Mascots, children squealed in delight, critics complained about intent of purpose, and the general public everywhere expressed a common query -"The Olympics have mascots?" First making their appearance at the 1972 Munich Olympics, mascots have become an important - yet often criticized - part of the public perception of the Olympics.
Usually cute and cuddly, these goodwill ambassadors drum up interest in the Games (particularly with children and youth), express the values of the event, and promote the history and culture of the host city.
With all that in mind, travelers everywhere can beg the question...
Just what have recent mascots said about their respective cities? Waldi (Munich 1972) - The first official Olympic mascot was a dachshund by the name of Waldi.
Dachhunds are a popular breed of dog in Bavaria, and are thought to represent the athletic attributes of resistance, tenacity, and agility.
Munich? Proud to be German, proud to host the Games...
and Man's Best Friend? Amik (Montreal 1976) - This friendly beaver was chosen because it represents hard work, as well as being native to Canada.
In Algonquin (the language of a First Nations group in Quebec), Amik also means beaver.
While Amik is decidedly Canadian both by physical presence and name, a beaver seems a strange choice for such a modern and cosmopolitan city as Montreal.
Sam the Olympic Eagle (Los Angeles 1984) - Sam is, well, an eagle, and an eagle damn proud to be American.
Donning a stylish vest and red-white-and-blue striped cap in the style of Uncle Sam, Sam the Olympic Eagle was designed by artist for that other great American institution, Disney.
It's once again a little strange that such a wild creature is the mascot for such a big city, but Sam definitely struck a chord with patriots around the world.
Hodori (Seoul 1988) - This tiger cub is a common personality in Korean legend.
He portrays the friendly and hospitable traditions of the Korean people...
While also bearing a striking resemblance to Tony the Tiger (of Frosted Flakes fame).
Cobi (Barcelona 1992) - Although a rather radical departure from more traditional representations of animals, this Cubist-inspired Catalan Sheepdog is perfectly suited to the colourful and quirky style of Picasso-influenced Barcelona.
Cobi was also a huge commercial success, appearing in advertisements for Olympic sponsors and starring in his own TV show, as well as the usual souvenirs and memorabilia.
Izzy (Atlanta 1996) - Arguably one of the most unpopular of the mascots to date, Izzy (originally known as a very appropriate query Whatizit), is a computer animated character with the abilitity to morph into different forms - usually closest in appearance to a blue blob.
This was a significant departure from the Olympic tradition of mascots representing nationally-significant animal or human figures.
Izzy was banned by the Olympic Committee from appearing at the opening and closing ceremonies, and remained conspicuously absent before, after, and during the Games.
Although hated by critics, Izzy was somewhat popular with kids.
Olly, Syd and Millie (Sydney 2000) - Sydney kept it traditional with three official mascots with very clear images and messages.
Olly (from 'Olympic') is a kookaburra, representing the Olympic spirit of generosity.
Syd (from 'Sydney') is a platypus, representing the environment and energy of the people of Australia.
Millie (from 'millennium') is an echidna representing the historic date.
A fourth unofficial mascot protesting the commercialization of Olympic mascots also became hugely popular, Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat.
The four combine as a fairly accurate representation of modern Aussie culture -environmentally-conscious, proud, friendly, and a tad bit cheeky.
Powder, Copper and Coal (Salt Lake City 2002) - Salt Lake City also went the traditional route with Powder (a snowshoe hare representing "Faster"), Copper (a coyote representing "Higher"), and Coal (a black bear representing "Stronger").
The intents are noble and the representations are fuzzy (with good ties to Utah's mountain landscapes, but the heavy mining terminology is a bit off-putting.
Sumi, Quatchi and Miga (Vancouver 2010) - Vancouver's new mascots are cute, fantastic, and slightly Japanese.
Sumi is a thunderbird, Quatchi, a sasquatch, and Miga, a killer whale-meets-Kermode bear.
Although critics have claimed the figures aren't traditional enough, all three represent Vancouver's environment (mountain and sea), history (Aboriginal ties), and modern culture (multicultural).