NBA superstar makes Olympic history as Greece’s first Black flagbearer

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo made history for Greece carrying his country’s flag during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. He is the first Black athlete to bear the Greek flag for the Games.

The opening ceremony began at 1:30 p.m. ET Friday along the Seine River.

Ahead of the ceremony, Antetokounmpo spoke to the Olympic News Service about what it means for him to be an Olympic athlete and carry the flag.

Being flagbearer for Greece makes family proud

‘It’s a huge honour 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,’ Antetokounmpo said, according to the Olympic News Service. ‘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 honour.’

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Qualifying for Paris 2024 was a 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.’

Being chosen to carry the flag ‘speaks volumes’

‘I definitely appreciate it,’ he said. ‘It 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.’