Balloon inflation, Open

There were 26 ballooning events at the 1900 Paris Exposition, which were more properly termed exhibitions. They were mixed, with both men and women participating. The events all took place starting at the Aérostation, at the Parc de Vincennes in Paris.

Yes, you read it correctly, this was a competition to see who could best inflate their balloon. Presumably, it was won by the balloonist who was most full of hot air, which turned out to be Maurice Mallet. He received the maximum of 6 points and for which he was given a silver plaque valued at 200 francs. Mallet must have been an inflation specialist because this was the only balloon event he is known to have entered. Insert your own joke here.