The mountain lynx is named after the main ingredient in the Winter Olympics - snow.

In the Gudbrandsdal Valley located right next to Lillehammer, sjogg means snow.

Described as youthful and sporty, the lynx made his first appearance live on Norwegian national television during the International Ski Federation (FIS) Nordic Skiing World Cup in Lillehammer.

It is said to be really sociable, despite being a lynx, and enjoys spending time with friends - and, of course, getting new friends.

The Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games has been named Sjobb and given a brand new look ©Lillehammer 2016



"We think Sjogg is a great name which works locally as well as internationally," said Magne Vikøren, head of communications and marketing in Lillehammer 2016.

"It is easily pronounced, and we love that sjogg means snow.

"We're very proud of Sjogg, and hope that the lynx will be a visible and popular representative of the Youth Olympic Games.

"We're pretty sure that Sjogg will be the one who hands out the most hugs during the Games, but we cannot guarantee that the mascot won't play any pranks.

"We have to assume as much."

The mascot is the result of an international design competition, won by 18-year-old Line Ansethmoen from Lillehammer.

The lynx has been given new clothes to match its visual profile, with Ansethmoen giving the thumbs up to sjogg's new look.

"I think it looks really nice," is the message she sent when she saw the updated version of her mascot suggestion.

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