The Paris Olympics are underway and like any Games, there is an official mascot you might spot throughout the competition.

The Olympic and Paralympic mascots are shaped like a traditional French hat.

They're mostly red in colour and represent the host nation with blue, white and red stripes, the colours of the France flag.

Phryges are the mascots for Paris 2024 but what are they and what do they mean?

What are the Olympic mascots for Paris 2024?

Now that the Olympics have begun, the mascots will be popping up as you tune in to watch the sporting action.

BBC viewers will have spotted some stuffed toys of the mascots sitting on the sofa in the studio.

The Olympics website explains the idea behind the mascots, saying: “The Paris 2024 mascots are called the Phryges, based on the traditional Phrygian hats that serve as a symbol for freedom.”

It added: “These hats are seen everywhere in French culture and everyday life, from paintings to stamps, town halls to coins, the French Republic to the modern day.

“They are a symbol of French history and values, the perfect representation for their home Games.”

A brief history of Paris

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The website further explains: “The Olympic Phryge is in the shape of one of the traditional Phrygian caps, bright red with a French tricolour trim of blue, white and red. The Paralympic Phryge takes the same form but with a jumping blade, like the one used by Paralympic athletes.

“The Phrygian cap has been a powerful symbol throughout history, representing the French fight for freedom through revolution, the establishment of Bastille Day as their national day on 14 July, and of course, the core French values: Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).

“Now, in 2024, the Phryges take on new symbolism for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Paris.”