MIES (Switzerland) - Hands moving swiftly during a timeout, Nauris Miezis doesn’t just call out plays. He signs them. The Latvian 3x3 star is an Olympic champion and a mainstay in both the FIBA 3x3 World Tour and his country's national team. Miezis grew up with sign language as his first language, and what began as a childhood challenge has become a source of strength. It shaped a career that has inspired fans both inside and beyond basketball.
Roots in Silence
Miezis was born into a family where silence was never empty. His parents are deaf, and his sister is a swimmer who also grew up in a signing household.
"The first language was sign language, the second one was my national language, Latvian," he recalls.
Learning to speak took extra effort, with the help of a speech therapist who guided him through words he had heard but never fully understood.
That said, childhood wasn’t always kind.
"The biggest challenge was in school. I was bullied because my parents are deaf," he says. "Sometimes I was ashamed to call them to school events, because I worried I’d be bullied again. But it was only a small period of time. Later, I understood that it’s normal. They’re my parents, and I love them."
Finding His Game
Sports were always in his blood. His mother played basketball, his father excelled in volleyball and track and field, and his sister took to the pool.
"Everybody in my family was into sport, so it was just a matter of time for me," he says.
As a child, Miezis dabbled in football and five-on-five basketball before discovering 3x3 in Riga’s Ghetto Games about 12 years ago.
"I just joined with my friends in the summer tournaments, and then it grew. I got into the national team, and now I’m professional," he explains.
Olympic Dream Realized
For Miezis, basketball was always about love of the game. Then came the Olympics.
"Before, I just played because I loved it," he says. "When 3x3 became an Olympic sport, it was my dream to compete. To achieve that, and also to become an Olympic champion. It's a big honor and a big achievement. I’m proud of myself."
A Hero Beyond the Court
To many, Miezis is more than just a gold medalist. He is a symbol for CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults) and the wider deaf community. However, he’s quick to downplay the label.
"I don’t feel like a hero," he explains. "I just live my life, care about my family, and play basketball. I’m not the type to go public and say, ‘Look at me.’ That’s not who I am."
Even so, his presence is undeniable. Yes, he hasn’t met many deaf professional athletes, especially in a small country like Latvia. Still, his journey shows that barriers can be broken and that silence doesn’t mean limitation.
Still Elite
In 2025, Miezis helped Latvia finish second at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup.
"Second place is a good result, but of course we always want to be champions," he says. "Latvia is one of the top 3x3 teams in the world, and we’re always competing at the highest level. Thanks to our coaches, federation and players, we’re on the right path."
At the same time, he’s thriving with Chongming in the World Tour.
"This is my second year with Chongming, and I like everything about it -- the place, the team, how they work, how they think," he says. "Our goal is always the same: to be champions, no matter the competition."
Driving Force
If there’s one thing that defines Miezis, it’s his deep desire to win.
"Winning is what motivates me," he says plainly. "Basketball gives me joy. I just hate to lose, and that’s why winning is so important for me."
As for the future, Miezis isn’t thinking too far ahead.
"Now, my goal is just to play basketball. When I finish my career, then I’ll think about what comes next," he shares. "For now, the focus is only on the game."
From playground taunts to Olympic glory, Nauris Miezis’s story is one of turning adversity into triumph. His hands were once a source of difference. Now, they are a symbol of power, communication, and pride.
"Sport is cruel," he reflects, "but at the same time, it can be beautiful."
And for Miezis, that beauty is in every win, every sign, and every step that inspires the next generation to believe that even in silence, one's resilience can roar.
FIBA