Using a marker pen, the 27-year-old writes the names on a rolling piece of paper that should end up being 120 metres (131 yards) long.

Chebassier said he had the idea for the project three years ago and started from the 1896 Athens Olympics, the first modern games. But progress had been slow since he could only write before or after work or on weekends, he told Reuters.

He now is into the 1980s.

“Then, I quit my job a month and half ago, and with the start of the Olympics in late July, I have to finish it whatever happens. I will finish it before the start of the Olympics, and if I can’t sleep doing so, then I won’t sleep.”

Chebassier, who was inspired by Polish artist Roman Opalka’s work on passing time, also travelled to see some former Olympic athletes and wrote their names on his piece in their presence.