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TONY Estanguet, the head of the Organising Committee for the Paris 2024 Games, on Monday said it was a relief the Games went on and ended without a hitch.
Estanguet, who spoke against the background of several threats to the Games in the preceding months, said it was unbelievable that the competition ended without a hitch.
“I am relieved and proud that the Games exceeded all expectations, especially because of the fervour of the fans.
“It was a marathon of holding out against all pessimists and all those who also predicted disaster,” he told journalists at his committee’s headquarters in Paris.
Estanguet, who indicated that he was extremely satisfied with the Games’ organisation, added: “I think it couldn’t have gone better.”
The organising committee chief said he was particularly impressed with international spectators’ impression of the Games.
“They said ‘this is the most beautiful Games in history’. That makes me happy,” he added.
Estanguet said further that the end of the Games has now made him feel a bit melancholic.
“It feels weird when you think that it’s done, and that the Olympic Games are now in the past.
“It’s like a big weight taken off my neck,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Paris Games began officially on July 26 with the opening ceremony, even though some events began on July 24.
The Games ended with a lavish and futuristic closing ceremony on Sunday, including the handing-over of its flag to the organising committee of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.(NAN)
Tags: Tony Estanguet
