Remember when London hosted the Olympics back in 2012? Remember all the talk of legacy and the event’s lasting impact on the nation’s sporting participation?

How we’d all be fit; how Kent’s youngsters (back then) would all be committed exercise enthusiasts today?

Even I started running as a result of it. Well, I say running, more a ‘fractionally faster than a fast walk trot’, but still.

Well, 12 years on, you would have to be feeling extremely generous to suggest the long-term impacts have been particularly widespread.

In fact, figures published last year by the government revealed obesity levels have been steadily increasing over the years. London hosting sport’s premier event appears to have had little to no impact on our waistlines at least (probably not helped by McDonald’s and Coca-Cola being worldwide sponsors).

Plus I’ve not laced up my running shoes for a good few years.

So what else have we to show for being the centre of attention a little over a decade ago?

Well, West Ham have a nice big new stadium out of what was the centrepiece of London 2012 and east London has certainly seen ample benefits from all the regeneration work in and around Stratford.

Good things, no questions asked. Far better the stadium was put to good use, after all, than falling into the trap of becoming yet another Olympic white elephant.

And who can deny that part of London getting a serious cash injection and modernisation? That part of the legacy worked.

But further afield? What about in Kent?

Let’s think…

No. I’ll be honest and say I can’t think of anything substantial. Yes, I’m sure plenty of people have taken part in a Parkrun event inspired by watching the athletics – a free event which is a real national treasure – but, a decade on, that much-trumpeted legacy appears to have run out of steam. Or should that be breath?

That is, of course, not to say London 2012 did not bring significant benefits.

Our tourism industry is thought to have been buoyed by many millions of pounds. The high-speed rail service proved itself a fine addition to our transport arsenal and for those of us in the county lucky enough to get a ticket to an Olympic event, it meant getting to Stratford was an absolute breeze.

Volunteering also got a shot in the arm courtesy of the success of those who helped in and around the Olympic venues and were such a key ingredient to its success.

The biggest takeaway, however, was simply the sense of national pride around the event.

The fact is, we proved to the world (and ourselves) that we were capable of delivering a major sporting event on time and in a manner which was safe, well organised and bursting at the seams with very positive energy.

Not to mention that remarkable opening ceremony.

It wasn’t a long-lasting legacy, but it was reassuring and impressive at the time. Helped no end by the fact Team GB proved itself rather good at winning a sack of medals of varying hues.

And that, in itself, is worthy of raising a pint to while we sit on our backsides and watch all the fun and games in Paris over the next fortnight from the comfort of our sofas.