Atlanta Collector Shares Decades of Olympic Mascot Memories

Randy Parsons has amassed an impressive collection of Olympic mascots over the years, each with its own unique story.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Randy Parsons, an Atlanta resident, has spent decades collecting Olympic mascots and memorabilia, amassing an impressive collection that spans decades of Olympic Games. From the iconic Cobi from the 1992 Barcelona Olympics to the lesser-known Paralympic mascot Petra, Parsons' collection tells the story of the Olympics through the eyes of its beloved mascots.

Why it matters

Parsons' collection not only showcases his passion for the Olympics, but also highlights the cultural significance of Olympic mascots and how they have evolved over the years. As the 2026 Winter Games in Milan approach, Parsons' collection provides a unique perspective on the history and legacy of the Olympic movement.

The details

Parsons' collection includes a wide variety of Olympic mascots, from well-known characters like Cobi from the 1992 Barcelona Olympics to more obscure finds like the Paralympic mascot Petra. He has been collecting these items for decades, often sharing the experience with his son Kenny, who has attended 12 Olympic Games. Parsons' collection is not just about the monetary value of the items, but rather the memories and stories they represent.

  • Parsons began collecting Olympic mascots in the early 1990s after seeing Cobi, the mascot for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
  • Parsons and his son Kenny have attended a combined 25 Olympic Games, with Kenny attending 12 and Parsons attending 13.
  • The 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy, are on the horizon, and Parsons is already looking forward to adding new mascots to his collection.

The players

Randy Parsons

An Atlanta resident who has spent decades collecting Olympic mascots and memorabilia, amassing an impressive collection that spans decades of Olympic Games.

Kenny Parsons

Randy Parsons' son, who has attended 12 Olympic Games with his father, helping to build their shared passion for collecting Olympic mascots.

Cobi

The mascot for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, which was one of Parsons' first Olympic mascot acquisitions.

Izzy

The mascot for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, which sparked a contest to name the unique character.

Petra

The Paralympic mascot that Parsons has in his collection, which he describes as a rare and unique find.

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What they’re saying

“This was my first mascot that I saw. I hated it. It's a flattened dog, you know, oh my God, I think I'm going to have to do something, but I hated it. But it grows on you after a while.”

— Randy Parsons (11alive.com)

“Atlanta came out with a program because when this mascot came out, it came out in the opening ceremony, the closing ceremonies in Barcelona. Maynard Jackson was out there, and all of a sudden, is this what it is? So that's how he got his name. What's his name? What is it?”

— Randy Parsons (11alive.com)

“It's expensive, but we do it on a shoestring budget.”

— Randy Parsons (11alive.com)

“My son Kenny, we've been going to, as a father and son. We developed that bond of going to, he's been to 12, and this will be, this Milan will be his 12th Olympics and my 13th.”

— Randy Parsons (11alive.com)

What’s next

Parsons and other collectors meet on the third Monday of each month to trade items and share stories. With the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy, on the horizon, Parsons is already looking ahead to adding new mascots to his collection.

The takeaway

Randy Parsons' Olympic mascot collection is a testament to the enduring appeal and cultural significance of these beloved characters. His passion for collecting and sharing these memories with his son highlights the power of the Olympic spirit to bring people together and create lasting bonds.