China's 'candied' panda mascot sweetens Olympic hearts

The cute panda has won the hearts of millions around the world since the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics kicked off on Friday. The Brazilian team posted a picture on Twitter showing two athletes tightly hugging Bing Dwen Dwen pillows in their room even before they'd unpacked their luggage. Brazilian freestyle skier Sabrina Cass and Dutch Skeleton racer Kimberley Bos both posted photos with the mascot on social media.

On her vlog, Czech ice dancer Natalie Taschlerova also showed the gifts and souvenirs she'd received after moving into the Olympic Village. At the end of the video, she wished her followers a good night, writing "the first night with my panda" as the shot showed a Bing Dwen Dwen pillow to one side. Taschlerova told Global Times that she "almost cried" when she saw the mascot.

A Japanese video report also went viral after the reporter Gido Tsujioka, showed six Bing Dwen Dwen badges pinned to his press card, earning himself the nickname of "Gido Dwen Dwen" for his affection for the mascot.

Christophe Dubi, Olympic Games executive director at the International Olympic Committee, said that the panda was a lively, fun and witty mascot, full of positive energy. "I have to add it to my collection and it's for children all over the world," he added.