The London Olympic 2012 mascots have been revealed as Wenlock and Mandeville. These strange little one-eyed creatures will be all over Britain for the next two years and I’m not entirely sure what to make of them. Check out this cartoon clip which tells you the story of how they came about: http://www.london2012.com/mascots.
According to the mail Online, Wenlock is named after the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock where, in the mid-19th century, the Wenlock Games became one of the inspirations of the modern Olympic movement. Mandeville’s name is derived from Stoke Mandeville, home to Stoke Mandeville hospital. Their metallic appearance is said to be due to the fact that they came from the last drops of steel left over from the Olympic stadium when it was made in Bolton.
Although at first I found them a little unnerving with their Cyclopes like features, I’ve actually come to find them quite endearing. Just like it took me a while to adjust to the official 2012 Olympic logo when it first came out, I’m sure these little cretins will grow on me.
Apparently the orange light bearing the W and M on top of their foreheads are said to represent taxi/cab lights and the rings that they carry around their wrists represent friendship bracelets. I like the fact that the lights have been incorporated into the mascots as black cabs are a huge part of London identity.
Love them or hate them, they are different and original. The 2012 Olympic logo also dared to be different and that is a good thing. I think the new mascots will help engage young people and encourage more kids to participate in sport.
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