A mythical creature was launched as the Lucerne 2021 mascot last year, marking one year to go until the multi-sport event. 

Inspired by a yeti, animation student Luisa Zürcher designed the mascot, who comes from the mythical world of Central Switzerland and loves carnival. 

Following a public vote on Instagram and Facebook, the name "Wuli" was chosen.

Wuli combines the first letters of Winter Universiade with the typical Swiss ending "-li".

It was chosen over two other shortlisted names, "Montix" and "Winity". 

The name was revealed during the Youth and Junior World Biathlon Championships in Lenzerheide.

Zürcher, Emmanuelle Pétermann, Pauline Tomkowitz and Jacqueline Carter, all students at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, submitted mascot designs.

A panel of seven picked the winning idea.

Lucerne 2021 is scheduled for January 21 to 31, with around 1,600 athletes competing across 10 sports.