The Paralympic boss has had many sleepless nights in the lead up to Rio's crisis-hit Games, but the tide now seems to be turning.
International Paralympic Committee president Sir Philip Craven says the stress of planning a Games in a country hit by a recession, political turmoil, Zika health scares and rampant crime had taken its toll.
"I was deadbeat after the Olympics. I had three hours' sleep (on) average for 22 days," he said.
"Two weeks ago I said we faced unprecedented circumstances and since then we've seen unprecedented teamwork."
Low ticket sales and delayed funding sparked major cutbacks as organisers were forced to close parts of venues, slash staff numbers and scale back transport services in a bid to cut costs.
Only 12 per cent of tickets had sold a fortnight ago, however a late surge in sales suggests Brazilians are now getting behind the cash-strapped event, which will make Rio the second-best attended Paralympics behind London 2012.
"We'll soon be over the 1.7 million mark, overtaking the number sold in Beijing and our aim is to sell around 2.4 million," Craven said.
And thanks to a cash injection from private sponsors amounting to 250 million reals (A$102 million), 10 smaller countries have been able to arrive, even if promised travel grants came late.
Craven says 159 countries and more than 4400 athletes will be taking part in the first Games in South America, and all 22 sports will go ahead as planned.
There will also be an unprecedented 1500 doping tests, while the entire Russian team has been banned from the Games for state-sponsored drug cheating.
British-born Craven said some time at home with his wife had also boosted his morale, and he was now ready for the Games.
"I looked at the apples on the apple tree and they're doing really well. Pears aren't bad either," he said.
And when all else fails, he can always unwind by watching a bit of cricket on TV.
"I couldn't get to a game but that's my favourite sport, by the way," he said.
"God help the Aussies."
