Weird & Wonderful

An Olympic Odyssey

As we celebrate World Athletics Day on 7 May, the series of games that immediately comes to mind is the Olympics — a whirlwind tour of athletic excellence! For many centuries, it has been a sporting spectacle, an arena of drama and much more. Get ready to be captivated by the fascinating history, quirky incidents and remarkable feats from the annals of Olympic Games.

Illustration of Waldi, the Olympic mascot
Illustration: © Rama Ramesh

Waldi: The furry pioneer of Olympic mascots

Our adventure begins with a nod to Waldi, the beloved dachshund who stole the hearts of millions and was the proud first official Olympic mascot. Sporting vibrant colours inspired by the Olympic rings, Waldi made his debut at the 1972 Munich Games, symbolizing the playful spirit and camaraderie of the Olympic movement. With his wagging tail and boundless energy, Waldi set the bar high for generations of mascots to come, proving that even our furry friends have a place in Olympic history.

Rama Ramesh is a creative writer who has written stories and features for children’s magazines and has co-authored a series of nanotechnology books for kids.

Rama Ramesh

Rama Ramesh is a creative writer who has written stories and features for children’s magazines and has co-authored a series of nanotechnology books for kids.