Berlino

Berlino, an anthropomorphic bear, was the mascot for the 2009 World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin, Germany, noted for his hyperactivity and celebrations with various athletes during the Championships.

Overview

Up until now, Berlino appears to be mute. However, this condition does not seem to prevent him from giving interviews to the media.

Berlino has been referred to as the "star" of the Championships and been noted by athletes, such as Usain Bolt by wearing a t-shirt with "ICH BIN EIN BERLINO" ("I am a Berlino", referring to John F. Kennedy's famous West Berlin speech) written on it during warm up for the 200 meter final.

The iconic image of the games is the famous photograph of Berlino and Usain Bolt down on one knee, twinned in mutual respect, sharing a mimed lightning-bolt pose to celebrate victory and a new world record.

In an interview, published after the World Championships in Berlin, Usain Bolt said: "Berlino and I have become friends. We exchanged telephone numbers."

Podcasts:

PLAYLIST TIME:

Berlino

by: Paolo Conte

Piove a Berlino una
Pioggia spagnola
E sulle scarpe nuove
Incantati, affascinanti
Prove di sogno et di luce
Deliranti, esilaranti
Vuoti e deliranti sì
E piove sul Buddah di giada
Che sorride e sorride in pace
La piramide d'avorio che
S'inonderà di luce
Da un gesto randagio




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