Millie the Echidna
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.
The Sydney Olympic Games 2000 had three mascots of which Millie the Echidna (spiny anteater) was one, the other two were Olly the Kookaburra and Syd the Platypus. They were designed by Matthew Hattan and their purpose was clearly outlined by the Sydney Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (SOCOG). It stated 'Syd, Millie and Olly's role [was] to communicate the ideals of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games… Their mission [was] to inspire, entertain, inform and embrace'. The mascots were commercialised in a range of products, toys and the partnership with McDonalds.
Together, Syd, Olly and Millie represent earth, air and water. Olly, the Kookaburra epitomises the Olympic spirit of generosity, Millie an echidna is a techno-whiz and Syd the Platypus reflects the environment and captures the vigour and energy of Australia and its people.
The Sydney Olympic Games 2000 had three mascots of which Millie the Echidna (spiny anteater) was one, the other two were Olly the Kookaburra and Syd the Platypus. They were designed by Matthew Hattan and their purpose was clearly outlined by the Sydney Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (SOCOG). It stated 'Syd, Millie and Olly's role [was] to communicate the ideals of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games… Their mission [was] to inspire, entertain, inform and embrace'. The mascots were commercialised in a range of products, toys and the partnership with McDonalds.
Together, Syd, Olly and Millie represent earth, air and water. Olly, the Kookaburra epitomises the Olympic spirit of generosity, Millie an echidna is a techno-whiz and Syd the Platypus reflects the environment and captures the vigour and energy of Australia and its people.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Millie the Echidna (manufacturer's title) |
Materials and techniques | Plastic |
Brief description | Plastic figure of Millie the Echidna made for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, designed by Matthew Hattan and made in China in 1996 |
Physical description | Yellow moulded figure in hard plastic. It stands upright with spikes on its back. It is all yellow apart from the blue eyes which stand out with black eyelashes. |
Dimensions |
|
Production type | Mass produced |
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. The Sydney Olympic Games 2000 had three mascots of which Millie the Echidna (spiny anteater) was one, the other two were Olly the Kookaburra and Syd the Platypus. They were designed by Matthew Hattan and their purpose was clearly outlined by the Sydney Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (SOCOG). It stated 'Syd, Millie and Olly's role [was] to communicate the ideals of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games… Their mission [was] to inspire, entertain, inform and embrace'. The mascots were commercialised in a range of products, toys and the partnership with McDonalds. Together, Syd, Olly and Millie represent earth, air and water. Olly, the Kookaburra epitomises the Olympic spirit of generosity, Millie an echidna is a techno-whiz and Syd the Platypus reflects the environment and captures the vigour and energy of Australia and its people. |
Collection | |
Accession number | B.170-2009 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | January 26, 2010 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSON