Satoransky makes history as first Czech basketball player to serve as flag bearer
TOKYO (Japan) - Tomas Satoransky will make history on Friday as the first basketball player to serve as flag bearer for the Czech Republic during the Opening Ceremony at the Olympics.
Satoransky, 29, spearheaded the team's run to sixth place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China and recently led the team to first place at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria, Canada.
Tennis star Petra Kvitova will be the other flag bearer for the Czechs.
What a huge honor for me!! And specially going along with 2 time Wimbledon champion and bronze medalist @Petra_Kvitova!! 🙏🏻 https://t.co/EUy3Fo0Ara
— Tomas Satoransky (@satoransky) July 23, 2021
"I will probably be more nervous than before any game," he said.
The country's Olympians in Tokyo voted for Satoransky and Kvitova.
"It is a great honor," Satoransky said. "I would like to thank all the athletes who put their trust in me. I really appreciate it."
Basketball has received a major boost in the Czech Republic thanks to the play of Satoransky and the national team.
The Czechs went on a surprising run to the Quarter-Finals at FIBA EuroBasket 2015 and have been reaching new heights ever since.
After qualifying for the World Cup in 2019, the Czechs surpassed expectations by making it to the Quarter-Finals. Satoransky averaged 15.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game at the event in China.
At the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which was played from June 29 to July 4, Satoransky averaged a team high 16 points. The Czechs bounced back from an 87-70 defeat to Turkey by claiming victories over Uruguay, Canada and in the Final, Greece.
A Chicago Bulls guard, Satoransky has played in the NBA since the 2016-17 campaign.
FIBA
