Syd the Platypus
Olympic Mascot
1996 (manufactured)
1996 (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The first Olympic mascot 'Waldi' a Daschund dog appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Mascots are used to communicate the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially youth and children. They are usually a character or animal native to the country where the games are being held and showcase the history and culture unique to the host city. In more recent years it has been common to have more than one mascot. This could be to ensure gender equity but has undoubtedly increased the merchandising potential of the Olympic mascot.
Syd the Platypus is one of three Olympic mascots designed by Matthew Hattan for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. Together, Syd, Olly and Millie represent earth, air and water. Syd, the platypus represents the environment and captures the vigour and energy of Australia and its people. Olly, a kookaburra epitomises the Olympic spirit of generosity and Millie an echidna is a techno-whiz and information guru with all the facts and figures at his fingertips for the new millennium.
Syd the Platypus is one of three Olympic mascots designed by Matthew Hattan for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. Together, Syd, Olly and Millie represent earth, air and water. Syd, the platypus represents the environment and captures the vigour and energy of Australia and its people. Olly, a kookaburra epitomises the Olympic spirit of generosity and Millie an echidna is a techno-whiz and information guru with all the facts and figures at his fingertips for the new millennium.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Syd the Platypus (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Fabric |
| Brief description | Plush Mascot of a platypus made for the 2000 Sydney Olympic games, designed by Matthew Hattan and made in China in 1996 |
| Physical description | Burnt orange coloured plush platypus large plush toy with blue beak that opens. Stitched detail eyes and stitch detail on the base of feet, the left foot has Sydney Olympic logo and the right foot has stitched blue stars. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Mass produced |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'Sydney 2000' |
| Subject depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | The first Olympic mascot 'Waldi' a Daschund dog appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Mascots are used to communicate the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially youth and children. They are usually a character or animal native to the country where the games are being held and showcase the history and culture unique to the host city. In more recent years it has been common to have more than one mascot. This could be to ensure gender equity but has undoubtedly increased the merchandising potential of the Olympic mascot. Syd the Platypus is one of three Olympic mascots designed by Matthew Hattan for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. Together, Syd, Olly and Millie represent earth, air and water. Syd, the platypus represents the environment and captures the vigour and energy of Australia and its people. Olly, a kookaburra epitomises the Olympic spirit of generosity and Millie an echidna is a techno-whiz and information guru with all the facts and figures at his fingertips for the new millennium. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.155-2009 |
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| Record created | January 26, 2010 |
| Record URL |
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