Izzy was the official mascot of the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics. Initially named Whatizit ("What is it?") at its introduction at the close of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, the animated character with the ability to morph into different forms was a departure from the Olympic tradition in that it did not represent a nationally significant animal or human figure. History Conception and introduction at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics In 1991, the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) began a search for a mascot with a competition of twenty design firms as well as suggestions from the general public. The selection, Whatizit, was designed by John Ryan, senior animation director of Atlanta-based design firm DESIGNefx. Whatizit originally appeared as 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. In addition to renaming him "Izzy", several changes were made to the mascot's appearance including losing the bottom row of teeth, adding a nose, making the tongue visible, and making the limbs longer, skinnier, and more athletic. Izzy's Quest for Olympic Gold ACOG commissioned an animated television special entitled "Izzy's Quest For Olympic Gold" to promote Izzy and expand his backstory. Produced by Film Roman, the special debuted on TNT on August 12, 1995. Long considered to be lost media, a VHS recording was discovered and uploaded to YouTube in December 2020. Plot A torchbearer runs through Olympia all the way to Atlanta to light the Olympic cauldron. The flame is revealed to contain an alternate universe known as the Torch World. Torch World, described as being above the stadium/games, depicts rolling hills, mountains, columns, and other terrain that appears similar to depictions of Ancient Greece. The Torch World citizens can be seen performing every day activities in an Olympic fashion, such as hanging clothing with a bow and arrow. As Izzy plays basketball in his bedroom, we see Izzy’s morphing powers as he turns into the ball, launching himself into the net., George (Izzy's father) scolds him by advising that Torch World citizens do not compete in the Olympic Games. Izzy brushes off his father and remarks to himself that he will try out for the games anyway. He