From early this morning, the speakers at Rio International Airport were heralding their arrival. Misha (Moscow 1980), Athena (Athens 2004), Fu Niu Lele (Beijing 2008), and Wenlock and Mandeville (London 2012) landed in the Marvellous City on Thursday (20 November) for a very special reason: to meet the Rio 2016 Games mascots, who will make their first public appearance on Monday (24 November).

It is the first time that mascots from past editions of the Games have visited the current host city. And the reception could not have been warmer for these illustrious guests. With welcome signs and placards (in Russian, Greek, Mandarin and English), local children eagerly awaited their arrival in the international arrivals area. 

Misha was greeted by cheering children who chanted his name as he arrived in the Marvellous City (Photo: Matilde Molla/Rio 2016)

As each mascot emerged with their luggage on a trolley, the kids cheered and chanted their names. The mascots reacted excitedly, waving and hugging the children. Misha even broke into an impromptu samba dance.

Rafael Tovar, aged 12  from Rio, said: “I’d never seen Olympic mascots before, so I wanted to be here. I loved it. I nearly cried. My favourite was the little Chinese cow (Fu Niu Lele), he was really cool. Now I can’t wait to see the Rio 2016 masots!”

Wenlock, the London 2012 Olympic Games mascot, was the first to arrive - to a massive cheer (Photo: Alex Ferro/Rio2016)

Beth Lula, Rio 2016’s brand director, said: “This is an unprecedented event, the first time an organising committee has invited mascots from previous Games to meet their own mascots. They are all friends, one big family.

“Everyone will meet the Rio 2016 mascots soon. We hope they engage the whole world around our joy, our diversity, for the big party we’ll have in 2016. Their mission is to spread the messages of the Olympic and Paralympic movements and invite everyone to take part in our celebration.

“I think the whole world will fall in love with our mascots, just like we already have. They are very communicative, very playful, they are magical creatures that represent our culture, our people, really well.”

Athena waved to the public who were waiting for the mascots in the airport arrivals hall (Photo: Alex Ferro/Rio 2016)

The airport was full of excitement. Passengers who had just arrived and families waiting to meet relatives stopped to watch and take photos. Two-year-old Livia watched from the shoulders of her dad, Roberto, with mum Ana alongside. “It’s really cool, a big surprise,” said Ana. “We’re here to meet my mother, who’s been on holiday in the USA. My daughter is really excited, she’s loving this.”

Fu Niu Lele, the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games mascot, was eager to get to the Vista Chinesa viewing point (Alex Ferro/Rio 2016)

Up until the unveiling of the Rio 2016 mascots, the five new friends are going to enjoy Rio de Janeiro. Eager to make the most of their time in the city, Fu Niu Lele and Athena left the airport and headed straight to Vista Chinesa, for one of the most beautiful views of Rio.

Misha the bear has left his big coats back in Russia and dug out the sunscreen, ready for a stroll on Copacabana beach. These are just some of the things on their itinerary – check out their schedule and make time to meet them:

Thursday (20 Nov)

15:30 - Fu Niu Lele and Athena to visit Vista Chinesa

Friday (21 Nov)

11:00 – All five mascots will visit Sugarloaf Mountain where there will be a picnic with children and storytelling about the Games

15:30 - Fu Niu Lele to visit Christ the Redeemer

15:30 - Misha to visit Copacabana Beach at Posto 6

 Saturday (22 Nov)

15:00 - Wenlock and Mandeville will visit the Lapa Arches

16:30 - Athenà and Misha to visit Quinta da Boa Vista (Greek columns by the lake)

Meet the mascots…

Misha

This bear, whose full name is Mikhail Potapych Toptygin, was the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games mascot. He was born in the frozen wastes of Russia, but his friendliness and cuddliness conquered the world, making him one of the most popular mascots of all time.

Athena

Athena and her brother Phevos were the Athens 2004 Olympic Games mascots. She was named after Greek goddess of wisdom and protector of the Greek capital. With large feet and bell-shaped bodies, the mascots were inspired by ancient Greek sculptures.

Fu Niu Lele

Fu Niu Lele, the colourful cow, was the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games mascot. He was chosen because cows are gentle and have a special link to those who look after them. His name means good luck.

Wenlock and Mandeville

Wenlock, the London 2012 Olympic Games mascot, and his partner Mandeville, the London 2012 Paralympic Games mascot, are probably the most high-tech mascots in the history of the Games. They were created from two drops of the steel used for building the London Olympic Stadium. Their eyes are cameras that film everything and the lights on their heads are reminiscent of the world-famous London taxis.

Their names were taken from English towns that feature in the history of the Games. Much Wenlock hosted the Games that inspired the creation of the modern Olympic Games. Stoke Mandeville is the name of the town and hospital where Dr Ludwig Guttmann conceived the sporting event that was forerunner of the Paralympic Games.