The president of the Games’ organizing committee, Tony Estanguet, has unveiled the identity of the Paris 2024 official mascots for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, “The Phryges,” named after the iconic French cap, the “Phrygian” (pronounced fri-jee-uhn). Their anthropomorphic design is an evolution of this piece of France’s cultural heritage.
The Phrygian, also known as the “liberty cap,” was worn as a symbol of freedom during the French Revolution and has been adopted as an international symbol of liberty on many different emblems in North and South America.
The Olympic and Paralympic Phryges are decked out in France’s national flag colors – blue, white and red. The two characters also feature the golden Paris 2024 logo across their chests. The Paralympic mascot has a running blade, marking the first time in history that a mascot for the Games has had a visible disability.
Speaking about the launch during a press conference on Nov. 14, Estanguet said: “We wanted mascots that would embody our vision and be able to share it with the French people and the world. Rather than an animal, our mascots represent an ideal. The Phrygian cap is a symbol of liberty. Since it is familiar to us and appears on our stamps and the pediments of our town halls, it also represents French identity and spirit.” The Phryges and other mascot merchandise can now be purchased online and in stores.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be held from July 26 until Aug. 11, while the Paralympic Games will take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
