Mascot – Bing Dwen Dwen
“Bing” means ice and “Dwen Dwen” represents children in Mandarin. He is obviously a panda, no surprise there, but the big twist is he’s got a magical ice space suit? If you watch the video on the official mascot page, he does in fact go into space and high-fives an astronaut. Maybe it’s a secret dream of all pandas? I’d rate him a 6.5/10. He’s no kung-fu panda but he’ll do.
BUT, I think they had trouble translating him into costume for events. He looks like he’s wearing multiple hoodies…and took many things at a music festival and is being escorted to the medical tent, just to be safe.
Medals – “Tong Xin” meaning “Together as One”
The Olympic medals are inspired by Jade pendants from ancient China. There is a lot of subtle symbolism built-in, like five rings on the front for the Olympic rings. I’m actually going to give these an 8.5/10 because I had a couple of “ancient Asian coins” as a kid that I thought were the coolest. So I fully acknowledge this rating is purely based on personal nostalgia. The sorcerer in my Playmobile castle used those coins to trade for more beakers for potions all the time.
Paralympic Mascot – Shuey Rhon Rhon
Saving the best for last, Shuey Rhon Rhon.
- The name itself, Shuey Rhon Rhon is very fun to say out loud.
- Shuey Rhon Rhon is an anthropomorphic Chinese lantern. Lanterns represent harvest, celebration, warmth and light. Who doesn’t love all those things? Especially a good harvest!
- Even though Shuey Rhon Rhon is a lantern so can fly and likes snowboarding he seems very grounded and wants to make our world a better place. He’s not trying to visit space for funsies like some celebrities and billionares and a certain Panda are doing…..
- Shuey Rhon Rhon. That’s all. Just his name again.
Shuey Rhon Rhon: 10/10.
Royer's Olympic Blog 