<P> 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 . </P> <P> After a very critical reception to Whatizit's introduction during the closing ceremonies of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, ACOG began work to reshape the character specifically focusing on children, who were far more attracted to the character than adults . </P> <P> His greatest change came about after he lost the bottom row of teeth and gained a nose . He was then referred to as Izzy . Also, his tongue became visible, and his limbs became longer, skinnier, and more athletic in appearance . </P> <P> 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 aired only once on TNT on August 12, 1995, and is now considered to be a lost piece of media . </P>

The name of the mascot for 1996 olympics held at atlanta was