The success of the Olympic Games will not necessarily translate into that of the Paralympic Games, “There is nothing automatic," said Estanguet. Those were the words from the Frenchman, dressed in blue, smiling but focused, having tried to summarise a little more than two weeks of  "the most complex event ever organised in France".

Not easy and even, come on, impossible. Though the three-time Olympic champion, switching from English to French, had prepared his formulas. They often hit the nail on the head.

"We loved these Games so much that we don't want them to end, he attacked without masking his emotion. They were popular, joyful, engaging and audacious. France showed a welcoming face. We saw a happy France and happy French people. This will also remain in the intangible heritage of the Paris 2024 Games.”

Everything is said, or almost. Though Estanguet and Etienne Thobois agreed, even if they may have appeared smooth from the outside, the Games were not a long, quiet river. 

“We have experienced moments of stress and tension, confided the second. And this, even before the opening, with the global computer failure then the acts of sabotage which paralyzed train traffic."

Estanguet explained it, the weather was his first concern. “I was stressed until the end of the opening ceremony. But the artists succeeded, in the rain, in feats equal to those of the athletes after them."

His greatest pride? "The team," replied the COJO boss. "The organising committee, but also the 45.000 volunteers. A fantastic collective experience."

As Tony takes stock, he highlights the numerous records set during Paris 2024. Ticket sales reached 9.5 million, with over a million spectators lining the road cycling events. Celebration sites saw massive crowds, with 150,000 at the Trocadéro's Parc des Champions alone.

Women's team sports also set records, with 66,000 spectators for rugby 7s, 27,500 for basketball, and 26,500 for handball. The French delegation shined, earning 57 medals, including 15 gold, by Saturday, August 10. “The record was already broken after the first week,” Estanguet noted.

While the achievements are impressive, the COJO president reminds us, “We only managed the first leg. The return remains, the Paralympic Games. Ticketing is taking off well, with a sales rate five times higher than before the Olympics. These Paralympic Games may surprise the French even more than the Olympics.”

It is difficult, in fact, to imagine the jubilation and enthusiasm continuing with the same intensity in September, at the start of the school year, once the blows of the great Olympic celebration have subsided. Though the last two weeks have proven it: nothing is impossible. Even a return match also played at full speed.