Meet Izzy: The world's first CGI Olympic mascot.
Critics destroyed him. Kids loved him. History proved him right.
Justin Shenkarow recording the voice of Izzy, 1996
The Legend
In 1996, the world wasn't ready for a computer-generated Olympic mascot. But Izzy was ahead of his time—and the numbers prove it.
Izzy was the world's FIRST computer-generated Olympic mascot in history. He paved the way for every digital mascot that came after.
Despite the hate, Izzy merchandise generated an estimated $100 million in royalties. Kids loved him—and bought everything.
"Izzy's Quest For Olympic Gold" aired on Turner Network Television—a 30-minute animated special produced by Film Roman (Garfield, Simpsons).
Izzy starred in his own video game "Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings" on Super NES and Sega Genesis in 1995.
Izzy appeared on Lucky Charms cereal boxes and was sold at Toys "R" Us stores across Atlanta. He was EVERYWHERE.
Originally called "Whatizit" (What is it?), kids in Atlanta renamed him "Izzy" in a nationwide contest. Over 85,000 kids wrote stories about him.
Then vs. Now
The 2026 Winter Olympics are starting THIS FRIDAY in Milan. Let's compare the mascots—30 years apart.
Blue CGI blob. Morphing abilities. Stars in his eyes. Originally named "Whatizit" because nobody knew what he was.
Two stoat siblings (weasels). Tina has white fur. Milo has brown fur and was born without a leg. Called the "first Gen Z mascots."
Izzy was 30 years ahead of his time. He was the FIRST CGI mascot, paving the way for every digital character that followed. Yes, he was weird. Yes, critics hated him. But kids loved him, he made $100 million, and he's more iconic today than any mascot since. Tina & Milo are cute, but Izzy? Izzy was LEGENDARY.
Movement
It's time to give Izzy the recognition he deserves. The 2028 Olympics are in Los Angeles. Let's bring the OG digital mascot home.
Izzy wasn't just a mascot—he was a pioneer. The first computer-generated Olympic character. A symbol of innovation, creativity, and taking risks. 30 years later, it's time to celebrate what he represented: breaking the rules and doing something nobody had ever seen before.
Content
Follow Justin on TikTok and Instagram for exclusive Izzy content, behind-the-scenes stories, and voice acting videos as the 2026 Olympics begin.
Izzy voice videos
coming this week
Behind-the-scenes
1996 Olympics stories
Why Izzy was
actually genius