2022 has been a year of triumph and success for Greek athletes. From Australian Open doubles champions to rugby league legends, Greeks have made their mark this year.
Now, as the year comes to an end, The Greek Herald has shared its top six Greek sporting moments from 2022.
#6 – George Kambosos Jr holds two world title boxing rematches in Melbourne
George Kambosos Jr held two world title rematches against Devin Haney in Melbourne this year. Although Kambosos did not come out victorious during the matches, he still made Australia’s Greek community proud with his determination and resilience.
#5 – Greece defeats Turkey in European Rugby League women’s match:
Greece’s women’s rugby league team made history on Sunday, September 25 by claiming their first-ever victory against Turkey 8-4 in the European Rugby League competition. The last time the women’s teams met was in Edirne, Turkey in 2019, with Turkey claiming the win 40-4.
#4 – Greece makes debut at Rugby League World Cup:
Nobody copped a bigger loss through the group stages of the Rugby League World Cup this year than Greece, but that doesn’t mean the national team’s future is bleak.
Their debut World Cup campaign ended with three big losses against France, Samoa and England. In their final match against England, Greece was lucky to avoid conceding a century in their 94-4 loss.
But they scored four tries throughout their debut tournament, each of which was a highlight reel effort, and their journey gained an exposure that never would have come otherwise.
#3 – Greek team crowned champions of the All Nations Cup in Melbourne
The Greek team were crowned champions of the All Nations Cup on Saturday after defeating South Sudan 3-2. The final was played at Egan Lee Reserve in Knoxfield, Victoria in front of around 600 spectators.
The Greek team were under the guidance of coaches George Katsakis and Con Tangalakis.
#2 – Three Greek-owned football clubs across Australia win NPL Premierships:
Sydney Olympic FC in New South Wales, South Melbourne FC in Victoria and Floreat Athena in Western Australia all won an National Premier Leagues premiership this year.
West Adelaide SC also secured their return to the RAA National Premier Leagues (NPL) South Australia in 2023 with a historic 4-3 victory over Para Hills Knights on Saturday, September 10 at ServiceFM Stadium.
#1 – Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis become doubles champions:
2022 was the year of the Special Ks – Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis. This year the duo claimed the Australian Open doubles title, and also won their second doubles title at the Atlanta Open.
Greek Australian fans were with them every step of the way, cheering the duo on in stadiums across the world.
