Izzy (Mascot)

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Izzy was the official mascot of the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics. Named Whatizit ("What is it?") in an early draft, Izzy the Whatizit was a departure from tradition in that it didn't represent a nationally-significant animal or human figure: rather, it was supposed to be a creature from a world that existed inside the Olympic Torch.

The character underwent several physical changes in his short life. He was originally a blue, tear-shaped "blob" with rings around his eyes and tail. He wore high-top sneakers and had star-shaped pupils. His arms and legs were also short with a toothy grin showing both rows of teeth. He was later modified to have longer limbs to give a more athletic look. During this phase, he was called Whatizit.

His greatest change came about after he lost the bottom row of teeth and gained a nose. He was then referred to as Izzy. Also, his tongue became visiable with his limbs becoming longer, skinnier, and more athletic in appearance.

Dispite continued efforts to evolve his look, Izzy proved very unpopular. Busch Gardens, a theme park in Williamsburg, Virginia, named a new Wild Mouse roller coaster after the mascot, but the name was changed within the year.

He was also the star of his very own video game called Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings. It was released for the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis systems.