The Hellas caught the last bus to Paris 2024 men's basketball tournament. It will be Giannis Antetokounmpo's first Olympics appearance.
When Greece won the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament right at home in Piraeus, NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo couldn't help but be emotional.
He rubbed his hair and his face, trying to wipe away the tears. His son approached him, holding the card that said: "Paris 2024 bound".
It's the Hellas' first Olympics berth since 2008. It's also the very first one for Giannis.
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Now, the two-time NBA MVP for the Milwaukee Bucks has been named the flagbearer for Greece, alongside racewalker Antigoni Ntrismpioti.
Antetokounmpo makes history as the first black athlete to bear the flag for Greece at the Olympics.
It was also a unanimous decision.
One of the four children of Nigerian immigrants, the Greek Freak has come a long way.
His response to the honor was simple.
"For every athlete and for every athlete, to hold their country's flag at the opening ceremony of the largest sporting event in the history of the world, is the highest honor," wrote Drisbioti on sharing flagbearing duties with Antetokounmpo.
It seemed meant to be.
The initial frontrunners, Miltos Tedoglou and Katerina Stefanidis, had asked
not to be flagbearers because their competition schedule was close to the date of the opening ceremonies.
Greece is in Group A along with Australia, Canada, and Spain in men's basketball.
From selling bags and sunglasses on the streets and suffering multiple evictions as a stateless Nigerian immigrant, Antetokounmpo now holds high honors among the Greek Olympians.
Story Summary:
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Giannis Antetokounmpo's emotional journey culminates as he leads Greece to their first Olympics since 2008, marked by tears of joy upon receiving the news with his son.
- Named Greece's flagbearer alongside Antigoni Drisbioti, he becomes the first black athlete to hold the honor, a unanimous decision by the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
- From a challenging childhood as a Nigerian immigrant to NBA superstardom, Antetokounmpo's story embodies resilience and triumph on the world stage.
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]