Greek basketball sensation Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to make history as the first black athlete to carry the Greek flag at the Olympics. Antetokounmpo’s historic Olympic role as a two-time NBA MVP will see him proudly lead the Greek delegation in Paris on July 26, alongside race walker Antigoni Ntrismpioti.
Antetokounmpo’s Historic Olympic Role: Leads Greece to the Olympics
In a thrilling victory, the Greek men’s basketball team secured their first Olympic berth since 2008 by defeating Croatia in Piraeus. The home crowd erupted in joy, and a tearful Antetokounmpo expressed his elation. “It’s an incredible feeling,” he said. “Since I was a kid, I always dreamed of playing in the Olympic Games.”
However, Antetokounmpo’s journey to this pinnacle of athletic achievement was anything but smooth. Born to Nigerian immigrants, he spent the first 18 years of his life effectively stateless, unable to travel outside Greece. Greek citizenship finally came in May 2013, just two months before the NBA draft that would change his life forever.
Reflecting on his challenging upbringing in a recent ESPN interview, Antetokounmpo shared, “I was selling things on the streets since I was six or seven, trying to support my family. Watches, glasses, CDs—you name it, I sold it. I had to. I was the best seller.”
Despite his rise to stardom, Antetokounmpo has faced significant racism in Greece. In a 2020 TNT documentary, he candidly spoke about his experiences. “Greece is predominantly white. Life can be hard for someone with my skin color. Racism is everywhere.”
His comments sparked controversy, especially from some Greek officials. Konstantinos Kalemis, then a coordinator for refugee education, was fired after using racial slurs against Antetokounmpo. Even prominent politicians have shown prejudice. In 2018, Adonis Georgiadis, now the health minister, mispronounced his name and falsely claimed he was born in Africa.
Nonetheless, Antetokounmpo’s selection as flagbearer was met with unanimous approval from the Greek Olympic Committee. “Both flagbearers will lift our country high,” said Committee President Spyros Kapralos.
Antetokounmpo has yet to make a public statement but posted a video on social media highlighting the team’s qualifying journey with the word “Greece.”
As he prepares to lead his country at the Olympics, Antetokounmpo stands as a symbol of perseverance and triumph over adversity. His story is a testament to the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
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