Olympic Mascots — Atlanta 1996 What was the official name of the mascot for the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, USA?

Introduction / Context:
Olympic mascots are iconic branding elements and feature regularly in GK exams. The Atlanta 1996 mascot had a quirky, technology-inspired design and name that stood out from animal-based predecessors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Event: 1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta.
• Asked: Mascot's official name as popularly presented.
• Options include mascots from other events and decoys.

Concept / Approach:
The Atlanta 1996 mascot was originally called “Whatizit” (colloquially rendered as “What’s it?”) and later shortened to “Izzy.” Many question banks capture it as “Whatz It.” We match to the closest form provided among the options, as per common GK repository usage.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard Olympic trivia notes the initial name “Whatizit,” later “Izzy.” Exams often include a stylized spelling similar to “WHATZ IT,” which is accepted in many GK sets.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Matari: Not an Olympic mascot; distractor.
• APPU: Mascot of 1982 Asian Games (New Delhi).
• Uncle Sam: Personification of the USA, not the official Olympic mascot.
• None of the above: Not needed because the intended form is provided.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “APPU” (Asian Games) with the Olympics or remembering only the later nickname “Izzy.”

Final Answer:
WHATZ IT