Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved a groundbreaking milestone during Friday’s 2024 Paris Olympic Games Opening Cermony as he became the first Black Olympic flag bearer for Greece.
The 29-year-old, who was visibility beaming with joy, waved the Greek flag as he led the country’s representatives down the River Seine in a first-of-its kind Olympics opening ceremony.
Giannis Antetokounmpo makes history as the first Black flagbearer for Greece during the Opening Ceremony in Paris 🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/l0OgbMmzvT
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 26, 2024
Antetokounmpo, who was born in Greece to Nigerian immigrant parents, was vital in leading the Greek national basketball team to the Olympics, where they will be making a return after a 16-year hiatus.
The 7-foot tall basketball star, who is making his debut at the Games, took to social media shortly after the opening ceremony to express how he felt, adding that carrying his country’s flag was the “greatest honour.”
Η μεγαλύτερη τιμή 🇬🇷🇬🇷🧿 pic.twitter.com/xHAWs5SI8i
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 26, 2024
Greece, led by former player Vassilis Spanoulis, are drawn in Group A alongside Australia, Spain, and Canada, whom they will face in their tournament opener on Saturday, July 27.
