Following a competition dating back to March to decide upon the official mascot, with the estimated 50 applicants reduced to a final three on May 27, Lillehammer 2016 announced the lynx as the competition winner.

The shortlisted final three consisted of the lynx, a moose and a weasel with a public facebook vote set to determine the eventual winner.

In the end, the lynx secured 1,462 of the votes, 30 more than the weasel at 1,432, whilst the moose sealed 352 votes.

The winning mascot was designed by 18-year-old Line Ansethmoen from Lillehammer, who was encouraged by her mother to take part in the competition.

The requirement for participation was that the designers had to be between 15-25 years, and that the mascot should be either an animal or a fantasy figure.

Line Ansethmoen won the mascot design competition with her lynx design after being encouraged to participate by her mother ©Lillehammer 2016



The official mascot for Lillehammer 2016 is hoped to put a clear mark on the event.

In addition to creating a cheerful atmosphere at the sport venues, the mascot will also be an important part of the Ceremonies and the spectator engagement throughout the entire event period, officials claimed.

The name of the lynx is yet to be decided with Lillehammer 2016 stating that the name will be "decided later"; although no specific date is given.

Commenting on its website, organisers of the Games congratulated the three finalists, "and especially of course the winner Line."

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