Giannis Antetokounmpo, known for his emotional displays on the basketball court, had a touching moment with his sons after helping Greece secure a spot in the Paris Olympics. The victory over Croatia, with a score of 80-69, was a significant achievement as it marked Greece’s first qualification for the Olympics in basketball since 2008. The Milwaukee Bucks star played a key role in the win, contributing 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
Following the game, a video captured Antetokounmpo sitting courtside, wiping away tears while his children celebrated with him. He later shared a photo on social media showing his emotional state and his son holding a sign that read “Et Viola” and “Paris 2024 Bound.” The caption reflected his dedication to the game and his excitement for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
Greece hosted one of the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournaments in Piraeus, where they faced teams like Slovenia, led by Luka Doncic, Egypt, the Dominican Republic, and New Zealand. The victory over Slovenia in the semifinals paved the way for Greece’s qualification. Other teams that secured a spot in the Paris Games include Brazil, Spain, and Puerto Rico, among others.
The road to the Olympics was not easy for many teams, with Spain securing their seventh consecutive Olympic appearance by defeating the Bahamas. Puerto Rico’s win over Lithuania in the final qualifier sealed the list of 12 teams competing in the basketball event at the Olympics. The United States, Germany, Serbia, Canada, South Sudan, Japan, Australia, and host country France are among the other teams that have qualified for the Games.
Antetokounmpo’s emotional moment with his sons after the qualification reflects the passion and dedication he brings to the game, as well as the pride of representing his country on the global stage. As the countdown to the Paris Olympics begins, fans can expect to see more heartfelt moments from the Greek basketball star as he prepares to compete against the world’s best teams.