Antetokounmpo Makes Olympic History

 

Antetokounmpo Makes Olympic History

 

Greek basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to become the first black athlete to carry the flag for Greece at the Olympics. The two-time NBA MVP will bear the flag alongside race walker Antigoni Ntrismpioti in Paris on July 26, 2024.

 

Antetokounmpo's journey to this honor has been remarkable. Born to Nigerian immigrants in Greece, he spent the first 18 years of his life stateless, unable to travel outside the country. In May 2013, he finally received Greek citizenship, just two months before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks.

 

"It's an incredible feeling," Antetokounmpo said after Greece's men's basketball team qualified for the Olympics for the first time since 2008, following a victory over Croatia. "Since I was a kid, I always wanted to play in the Olympic Games."

 

Despite his success in the NBA, Antetokounmpo has faced racism in Greece. In a 2020 documentary, he spoke about the difficulties of growing up in a predominantly white country. His comments sparked backlash from some, including a government official who was later dismissed for using racial slurs against him.

 

Spyros Kapralos, president of the Greek Olympic Committee, stated that there was "unanimity" in the decision for Antetokounmpo to carry the flag, highlighting that both flagbearers will "lift our country high."

 

Antetokounmpo's rise from selling goods on the streets of Athens to becoming an NBA champion and now an Olympic flagbearer is a testament to his resilience and determination. His story continues to inspire many, both in Greece and around the world.

 

As Greece traditionally leads the parade in the Olympics, Antetokounmpo will be among the first athletes to open the Games. His role as a flagbearer not only marks a personal achievement but also signifies a moment of pride for Greece on the global stage.