While the performances of athletes have hogged much of the spotlight at the Pyeongchang Olympics, it’s been hard to ignore the stuffed tigers the winners have received on the podium at the conclusion of their events.
In December, the Pyeongchang Organizing Committee announced that medalists would receive a doll of the games mascot wearing a gold, silver or bronze hat and a paper flower. They would subsequently receive their medals at a ceremony held at the end of each day.
The white tiger has been named Soohorang and, according to the official Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games website, is said to be regarded as a sacred guardian animal symbolizing trust, strength and protection on the Korean Peninsula.