Will Giannis Antetokounmpo be Greece's flag bearer at the 2024 Olympics? Closer look at Bucks star's chances amid reports
Giannis Antetokounmpo's Greece have punched their tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics after defeating Slovenia and Croatia. They will face the other nations at the Olympics and compete for the gold at the prestigious international event.
However, now that Giannis' nation have qualified for the tournament, will the Milwaukee Bucks star be the flag bearer for his nation at the event? Harris Stavrou, senior editor at SPORTS 24, seems to believe so.
Stavrou tweeted that Giannis Antetokounmpo will likely be Greece's flag bearer at the Paris Olympics:
"Giannis Antetokounmpo will, most probably, be the Flag Bearer for Greece at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - SPORT24."
The flag bearer is a prestigious position for an athlete to be in, as they carry the flag of their country and march out first during the grand opening parade. The flag bearer of a nation is generally considered the leader of the athletes representing their nation at the Olympics.
Given that Giannis is a big name and it's the first time he has qualified for the Olympics with his nation, his chances of being Greece's flag bearer are high. Moreover, the Bucks star previously expressed his desire to be the flag bearer for his country.
"It will be amazing to be a flag bearer in the 2024 Olympics but there are steps we have to take to get there," Giannis said (via Eurohoops).
It's safe to say that Anteokounmpo will likely be chosen as the flag bearer for Greece on the opening day of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Giannis Antetokounmpo struggles to hold back tears after making first Olympic qualification
Giannis Antetokounmpo was seen struggling to hold back tears after Greece beat Croatia 80-69 to qualify for the Olympics.
The X account of FIBA uploaded a video of Giannis tearing up while sitting on a bench. The Milwaukee Bucks star was deep in his emotions as he tried to hold back his tears and hide his crying face away from the camera.
"What it means for Giannis," read the caption on the video.
Greece and Giannis had to overcome Slovenia and Luka Doncic to get this opportunity.
Despite having a successful career in the NBA, the "Greek Freak" hasn't won any major recognition with his national team. So, for him to get a shot at achieving international glory with his nation means a lot to him.