The Moscow Olympics mascot was an important and memorable symbol of the 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow, Soviet Union. The mascot, named Misha, was a bear cub that quickly became a beloved figure both in the Soviet Union and around the world. Misha was designed by the artist Viktor Chizhikov and was chosen from over 500 submissions to be the official mascot of the games. The selection of a bear as the mascot was particularly fitting as bears have long been associated with Russia. Misha was portrayed as a smiling and friendly bear cub, wearing a blue and white striped jumper that featured the Olympic rings. The choice of Misha as the mascot was seen as a way to create an image of warmth, friendliness, and hospitality for the Soviet Union.
The choice of Misha as the mascot was seen as a way to create an image of warmth, friendliness, and hospitality for the Soviet Union. The bear cub quickly became a popular figure, appearing on a wide range of merchandise, from toys and clothing to stamps and posters. Misha's image was also used in advertising campaigns and promotional materials leading up to the Olympics.
Creator of 1980 Moscow Olympic Bear Mascot Dies at 84
Viktor Chizhikov, the Russian illustrator behind the memorable Mishka bear mascot of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, died on Monday aged 84, his publisher said.
The children's book illustrator came up with the cuddly bear to represent the controversial Games, boycotted by countries including the United States.
newsSimpler Times: Moscow Shines at the 1980 Summer Olympic Games
The publisher AST Deti announced his death on Facebook, calling him the "brightest representative of the post-war generation of book illustrators."
Chizhikov won a contest among Soviet artists to draw the mascot.
The bear Mishka wore a belt featuring the Olympic rings. He was reproduced in merchandise from badges to china figurines that have now become highly collectable.
At the closing ceremony, a giant balloon figure of the bear was carried into the center of a Moscow stadium.
At the same time, people sitting in the stands held up flash cards to create a composite image of the bear shedding a tear.
Finally, the helium-filled figure flew off as Soviet stars performed a song with the lyrics: "Goodbye, our affectionate Mishka, go back to your fairytale forest."
"When the bear flew off, half the stadium was crying," then-chief coach of the U.S.S.R. ski team Leonid Tyagachev told RT television on Monday.
"Everyone remembered that, not just the U.S.S.R. team members but the whole world and the viewers were blown away."
"Usually I don't like my drawings," Chizhikov said at a talk at Moscow International Book Fair in 2019, adding he usually spotted things he wished he could change.
"I've been looking at the Olympic Mishka for 40 years. I can't see any flaws."
The U.S.S.R. had scant regard for copyright and Chizhikov did not own the rights to the image, losing a court case against NTV television channel in 2010, the Sports.ru website reported.
He commented at the time that he was not surprised since he had seen T-shirts with the image on sale at souvenir stands for 30 years and "they haven't paid me a ruble."
Born in Moscow to architect parents, Chizhikov started out as a cartoonist whose work appeared in the satirical magazine Krokodil, aimed at adults, as well as in numerous children's publications with print-runs of millions.
"My debut in print was on 23 February, 1952," he recalled, saying he used the fee for a cartoon in a newspaper for municipal workers to buy his mother a bottle of perfume and go to the cinema.
"No one could have been happier," he said.
At the time, drawing for magazines was the route to becoming a book illustrator, he said.
He went on to illustrate popular children's books including Soviet reworkings of Western classics.
He illustrated a Soviet version of Hugh Lofting's "Doctor Dolittle" as well as the Soviet versions of A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh books.
He also worked with Sergei Mikhalkov, the author of the Soviet anthem praising Josef Stalin.
The Olympic mascot Bear Misha is seen during the closing ceremony of the Moscow 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow. August 3, 1980.(REUTERS/Sergei Kivrin/Files)
One of the reasons Misha was so successful as a mascot was his universal appeal. His simple design and friendly demeanor made him popular with children and adults alike, and he was embraced by people of all backgrounds and nationalities. Misha became a symbol of the Olympics and of the Soviet Union itself, with his image representing the spirit of the games and the hospitality of the host country. After the Olympics, Misha continued to be a popular figure in Russia and around the world. He was often used as a symbol of the 1980 Olympics and appeared in various forms at subsequent Olympic Games. Misha's legacy still lives on, and he is remembered as one of the most iconic and beloved Olympic mascots of all time..
Reviews for "The Endearing Story of Mishka, the Moscow Olympics Mascot"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Moscow Olympics mascot. It felt so generic and uninspired. The character had no distinct personality or charm, unlike previous Olympic mascots. It looked like a generic cartoon character that you would find on a cereal box. I was hoping for something more unique and representative of Russian culture. Overall, I was not impressed with this mascot at all.
2. Michael - 1 star
I found the Moscow Olympics mascot to be incredibly unoriginal and boring. It seemed like the designers put no effort into creating a memorable character. The mascot lacked any meaningful connection to the Olympics or Russian culture, which was a major letdown. I expected something vibrant and exciting, but instead, all I got was a forgettable mascot that will fade into obscurity. Definitely not a fan of this choice.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I have to say, the Moscow Olympics mascot was a major disappointment for me. It felt like a missed opportunity to showcase Russian culture and heritage. The design was lackluster, and the character seemed like an afterthought. It lacked the charm and appeal of previous Olympic mascots, and I believe it did not effectively represent the spirit of the games. Overall, I feel that the choice of mascot was a letdown and could have been executed much better.
4. Mark - 2 stars
The Moscow Olympics mascot failed to make an impression on me. It was forgettable and lacked any unique qualities that would make it stand out among other Olympic mascots. The design felt rushed and uninspired, and it did not capture the excitement and energy of the games. I was hoping for a mascot that would embody the rich history and culture of Russia, but unfortunately, that was not the case. Overall, I found the Moscow Olympics mascot to be underwhelming and forgettable.