Milwaukee Bucks’ own Giannis Antetokounmpo is dribbling his way into the history books once again, this time as Greece’s first Black Olympic flagbearer. The NBA superstar proudly led his nation’s contingent during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, held along the picturesque Seine River.
Antetokounmpo, who’s already a giant on the basketball court, found himself elevated to a new level of honor and pride. Speaking to the Olympic News Service, Giannis expressed the deep significance of this moment: “It’s a huge honor for me as an athlete to be a part of something this big, to be around the best athletes in the world. It’s huge. I know that my family is very proud of me and the things I’ve accomplished, and being the first Black flagbearer for Greece is a huge honor.”
View this post on Instagram
For Giannis, qualifying for Paris 2024 was more than just another achievement—it was the realization of a lifelong dream. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of the Olympic Games, be part of the Olympic Village and be around all the best athletes,” he said. “It was a dream of mine, and playing with my team and being able to accomplish it was a huge moment for us as athletes, and for the country too.”
Giannis’ journey from the streets of Athens to the global stage of the Olympics is a testament to his relentless work ethic and dedication. Being chosen to carry the flag, he says, “speaks volumes for all the hard work I’ve put into my career, the way I carry myself on and off the court. I was happy that I was even considered and happy that I was voted to do it.”
The opening ceremony kicked off at 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday, marking a monumental moment not just for Antetokounmpo but for Greece as well. It’s a scene that blends the athletic prowess of one of the NBA’s finest with the rich cultural heritage of Greece, all under the spotlight of the world’s greatest sporting event.
Giannis’ role as flagbearer is a slam dunk for representation and a proud moment for his family, his fans, and his country. It’s a reminder that hard work and perseverance can lead to history-making milestones—even for a humble kid from Athens who dreamed big and soared even higher.
