The mascot is a raccoon, which is a familiar animal from the mountainous region of the Adirondacks where Lake Placid is situated.

[1] Part of his face and the black-and-white mask around his eyes are a nod to the sunglasses and hat worn by competitors.

Before the Games started he was controversially replaced by a costumed human mascot renamed Roni.

Lambert also popularly represented the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics at major events such as the Macy's Day Parade, Super Bowl XIV, etc.

[2] He was rinkside generating excitement during the men's ice hockey medal-round game between four-time defending gold medalists USSR and hosts USA which the USA won 4-3 (the so-called "Miracle on Ice" - an iconic highlight of the Games).