It’s not often your name gets used as a catchphrase by the leadership of a winning Olympic bid in front of the world’s media.

In fact, I can safely say that it’s never happened to me before (we’re more used to being low profile, backroom types!) - and probably never will again.

But, on Saturday, as Rio celebrated its hosting of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, ‘Nick Varley’ was one of the phrases of the day.

We at Seven46 have been lucky enough to have been working with the Rio bid for the best part of a year.

And, as I’ve worked and travelled with the Rio team, Carlos Roberto Osorio, or ‘CRO’, the bid’s charismatic Secretary General, has always greeted me with an exaggerated flourish and a theatrical ‘Nick Vaarleeeee’.

On Saturday, it got its first public airing as CRO and Bid President Carlos Nuzman used a Press Conference to thank their Brazilian team and international consultants such as Mike Lee, from our partners Vero, and, yes, Nick Varley. With more ‘a’s and ‘e’s than ever…

It was just one of many memorable moments from Rio’s win. Such as President Lula crying at the Press Conference. Or, my favourite, Minister of Sport Orlando Silva kick-starting the Rio party when he was asked to say a few words – and instead used the microphone to launch into song.

I have to say that winning the 2012 bid with London was truly incredible, but in some ways the Rio win feels even better.

With London, we made history for the city and for the UK. With Rio, the win is truly historic for the Olympic Movement, for Brazil as it emerges on the global stage, and for the whole of South America.

It’s been a great honour to work with a truly exceptional team from Rio. Thanks for the name check, CRO, and for allowing us to be part of a remarkable journey.