Why Paris chose the Phrygian cap as its Olympics 2024 mascot

It may not be immediately obvious what the mascot for Paris 2024 is, but the Olympic and Paralympic Phryges are here for a reason.

The two mascots are Phrygian caps, the floppy, red hats that have become a symbol of France, with the cap described as ‘a symbol of freedom and has been a part of French history for centuries, dating back to ancient times.’

Phrygia is actually an ancient Greek kingdom that was where Turkey now stands, but has become an emblem of France over centuries.

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The Phrygian caps have been worn in France for hundreds of years and became a symbol of freedom during the French Revolution.

The figure of Marianne is the personification of the French Republic and the national icon wears a Phrygian cap.

Paris 2024 president, Tony Estanguet – an Olympic gold medalist in canoe slalom, said of the mascots: ‘We chose an ideal rather than an animal. We chose the Phrygian cap because it’s a very strong symbol for the French Republic. For French people, it’s a very well-known object that is a symbol of freedom.

‘The fact that the Paralympics mascot has a visible disability also sends a strong message: to promote inclusion.’

The Olympic and Paralympic Phryges do not have their own names, but the Paralympic Phryge is distinguishable by her prosthetic leg.

The two mascots have been given distinct personalities, with the event organisers going into considerable detail on their back stories.

The Olympic Phryge is: ‘Always thoughtful and an astute strategist, she embarks on adventures only after carefully weighing up all the pros and cons. Just like the Olympic athletes, she knows the importance of measuring all the various parameters to achieve her goals. With her sharp mind, she is modest and prefers to hide her emotions. The Olympic Phryge will lead the movement of all those who take part in sport, and believe us, she will give her all to get France moving!’

Meanwhile, the Paralympic Phryge is described as: ‘Her passion is to blaze a trail; some might say she is fearless, which might be true, but one thing is certain: she hates being bored and loves to try new things.

‘No matter the sport, and regardless of whether she competes as part of a team or on her own, she is always game to play. With her, you will get moving, playing, dancing, and sweating! With her mindset of being the perfect supporter, she loves promoting the values of sport, celebrating athletes in all arenas and all the Games venues, and partying to celebrate victories or get over defeats.’

The mascots share the inspirational motto: ‘Alone we go faster, but together we go further.’

They are also said to share the message: ‘Sport can change everything! Our lives, our health, our relationships with others, how we relate to nature – it is time to welcome more sport into our lives!’

There was some controversy about the mascots when they were unveiled as French publication Liberation likened them to ‘a clitoris in trainers’ although this was said to be a positive thing.

‘While the official mascots of the Paris Games evoke the Phrygian cap worn by Marianne, many of us saw something else there: a clitoris. And that’s good news,’ wrote Quentin Girard.

The writer claimed it was a ‘revolutionary and feminist’ move and that ‘from a political point of view, it’s not a bad thing that Paris lets go of its eternal phallic Eiffel Tower.’

The Phryges are getting to see the world in the build-up to the Olympics and have found themselves in some interesting situations.

Like in the middle of this super awkward handshake between French and Japanese ambassadors in Australia….

This Phryge made it to LA!

There has even been a Phryge inside a pinhole, created by microscopic artist Dr Willard Wigan.

There is also plenty of work to be done by the performers inside the Phryge suits…

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