[2] In 1991, the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) began a search for a mascot with a competition of twenty design firms as well as suggestions from the general public.

The Torch World citizens can be seen performing every day activities in an Olympic fashion, such as hanging clothing with a bow and arrow.

George (Izzy's father) scolds him by advising that Torch World citizens do not compete in the Olympic Games.

He eventually runs into Martin and Spartin, other Torch World creatures that challenge him to a race to the town center.

Izzy sprints past them, exemplifying Olympic events such as racing, long jumping, and kayaking to save Spartin from drowning.

The elders inform him that the only way he can go down to Earth to compete is if he obtains the five Olympic rings, symbolizing Perseverance, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Excellence, and Brotherhood.

Izzy announces confidently to the elders that he will accomplish this goal, and by doing so immediately earns the Ring of Perseverance.

The Tribunal of Elders have fear of Izzy earning all of the rings and take note of the moral divide between the Torch World citizens.

The Elders decide to host their own Torch World games to determine if Izzy should continue to win the Rings.

One of the Elders is reminded that the Olympics are meant to bring people of all walks of life together for the betterment of society.

Despite continued efforts to evolve his look, Izzy proved quite unpopular; a range of nicknames appeared in U.S. media outlets, such as "The Sperm in Sneakers.

A popular joke that circulated in Atlanta around the end of the 1996 games stated that the blue line painted on Peachtree Road (which actually designated the route for the Olympic Marathon) was "Izzy's ass being dragged out of town.

[citation needed] In the 2003 Homestar Runner cartoon "3 Times Halloween Funjob", The Cheat is dressed up as Izzy.