They are the Phryges, mascots of the Paris Olympics 2024 and Paralympics, coloured a rather sporty red and representing the French Phrygian cap, often seen on Marianne, the embodiment of the French Republic, who represents the country’s values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
The Phrygian caps are very dear to the French as symbols of freedom, often seen on the head of Marianne’s statues in most town halls and on coins and stamps.
The caps also have a connection to ancient Rome, where freed slaves wore them as symbols of freedom.
Various emblems in North and South America also feature the cap.
The Phryges have a motto, “Alone we go faster, but together we go further,” which translates to people and mascots working together to make the world a better place.
Mascots are meant to add a lighter touch to the games and are fictional characters, rather cute at that, representing the culture and history of the city or country where sports events are being hosted.
The first mascot was created in 1968 by designer Aline Lafargue for the Grenoble Winter Games in France. Shuss the little man had a two-toned head and lightning-bolt shaped leg attached to skis.
Since then, from Chac Mool the Jaguar in the 1968 Mexico Olympics to Waldi the Dachshund in the 1972 Munich games, mascots have been embodying the Olympic spirit and promoting values of the game, at the same time strengthening the Olympic brand and opening avenues for marketing worldwide.
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