From snow-dusted stadiums to glittering medal ceremonies, the Winter Olympics have always blended athletic excellence with storytelling. One of the most charming threads running through that story is the tradition of official mascots, playful, symbolic characters that embody the spirit of each host nation. In recent decades, these mascots have taken on a second life as plush toys presented to medalists during victory ceremonies, adding warmth and personality to moments of triumph.
Winter Olympic Games: Where Symbols Meet Sport
The Winter Olympic Games are not only a celebration of athletic mastery but also a showcase of culture and creativity. Since the introduction of official mascots in the 20th century, each edition has featured a character, or ensemble of characters, designed to reflect local heritage, folklore, wildlife, or values. Over time, these mascots have evolved from simple promotional figures into global icons, appearing on merchandise, in animated shorts, and, most memorably, in the arms of newly crowned champions.
The practice of presenting plush mascots to medalists has become a beloved ritual. While medals represent achievement and history, the soft toy adds a human touch, a keepsake that often appears in post-ceremony photos, press conferences, and social media posts shared around the world.
Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics – Bing Dwen Dwen
Few mascots have achieved the viral fame of Bing Dwen Dwen, the panda encased in an ice shell who represented Beijing 2022. Designed to combine China’s beloved giant panda with futuristic elements symbolizing technology and innovation, Bing Dwen Dwen quickly became a cultural sensation.
During medal ceremonies, athletes received plush versions of the mascot, often clutching them as tightly as their medals. The toy’s rounded, cheerful design and glossy “ice suit” made it instantly recognizable. Demand for Bing Dwen Dwen plushies soared worldwide, with long lines forming at official stores. For medalists, however, the plush carried deeper meaning, a tangible reminder of competing on the world’s biggest stage under extraordinary global circumstances.
PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics – Soohorang
In PyeongChang, the official mascot Soohorang, a white tiger inspired by Korean folklore, symbolized protection, strength, and trust. The white tiger holds a special place in Korean culture as a guardian spirit, and Soohorang’s sleek design reflected both tradition and modernity.
Medalists at PyeongChang 2018 received plush Soohorang figures along with their medals. The soft toy’s bold stripes and confident expression made it a striking companion in podium photos. For many athletes, especially those experiencing their first Olympic medal ceremony, holding the mascot added a sense of playfulness to what can be an overwhelming moment.
Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics – The Trio
Sochi broke with tradition by featuring three mascots: a polar bear, a snow hare, and a leopard. The trio reflected Russia’s vast and diverse landscapes. Plush versions of these mascots were presented to medalists, giving athletes a choice, or sometimes a delightful collection, of companions on the podium.
The polar bear in particular echoed a legacy from earlier Winter Games, symbolizing resilience in icy conditions. Seeing elite athletes beam while holding these plush figures reminded viewers that even the most intense competitors cherish small tokens of joy.
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics – Miga, Quatchi, and Sumi
Canada’s Vancouver Games introduced a trio of imaginative characters: Miga the sea bear, Quatchi the sasquatch, and Sumi, a spirit animal. Rooted in Pacific Northwest mythology and wildlife, these mascots stood out for their storytelling depth and artistic style.
The plush toys presented at medal ceremonies were colorful and whimsical, reinforcing the friendly atmosphere of the Games. Quatchi, with his shy sasquatch charm, became particularly popular. Photographs of medalists lifting their plush mascots alongside bouquets created an endearing contrast between fierce competition and childlike wonder.
Turin 2006 Winter Olympics – Neve and Gliz
Turin’s mascots, Neve (a snowball) and Gliz (an ice cube), were minimalist and modern in design. Their geometric shapes represented the fundamental elements of winter sport: snow and ice. Plush versions of Neve and Gliz were handed to medalists, offering a sleek and contemporary souvenir.
Though less animal-like than many mascots, they reflected Italy’s flair for design. Athletes on the podium often displayed them proudly, their simple forms contrasting with the grandeur of the ceremony.
Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics – Powder, Coal, and Copper
The Salt Lake City mascots, Powder the snowshoe hare, Coal the coyote, and Copper the black bear, were inspired by Native American legends. Each represented qualities such as speed, wisdom, and strength. Plush versions given to medalists captured these traits in soft, approachable form.
For many athletes, especially those from far corners of the globe, the plush mascots became cherished mementos long after the Games concluded.
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: Looking Ahead
The upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics mark a return to Italy, twenty years after Turin hosted the Games. While every host city seeks to leave its own mark, anticipation is already building around how the mascot tradition will evolve.
Italy is known for blending artistry with storytelling, and expectations are high that the 2026 mascot will reflect both Alpine heritage and modern design sensibilities. Just as Neve and Gliz once symbolized snow and ice in stylized form, Milano Cortina’s mascot is expected to celebrate the landscapes of the Dolomites and the spirit of winter sport in fresh, imaginative ways.
When medal ceremonies take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, athletes will once again stand beneath the Olympic rings, medals placed around their necks, and plush mascots nestled in their arms. For many competitors, that small, soft figure will travel home in luggage carefully packed alongside national flags and podium bouquets.
More Than Merchandise
While mascots drive merchandise sales and brand recognition, their plush forms at medal ceremonies serve a deeper purpose. They humanize the spectacle. Watching a figure skater wipe away tears while holding a panda, or a skier raise a tiger alongside a gold medal, reminds audiences that the Olympics are about dreams realized, not just records broken.
These plushies also become historical markers. Years later, when athletes revisit their Olympic journeys, the mascot often appears in memorabilia collections, interviews, and anniversary retrospectives. The toy becomes a symbol of a singular moment in time.
A Tradition That Endures
As each new edition of the Winter Olympics unfolds, mascots will continue to evolve, reflecting culture, creativity, and the values of their time. Yet the essence of the tradition remains unchanged.
In that simple exchange, a medal for achievement, a plush for memory, the Winter Olympic Games encapsulate their enduring magic: fierce competition wrapped in warmth, history softened by joy, and global unity expressed through a small, smiling companion.
