Obituary – Greek Volleyball legend Nikolaos Antoniadis (74)

Nikolaos Antoniadis, a legend of Greek and European Volleyball, who made history while competing in Greece, France and Switzerland, passed away earlier this week at the age of 74. Many regard him as one of the best Greek Volleyball players of all times. Moreover, he was the first Hellenic player to move abroad and to compete in a foreign national league. He did so while playing for Racing Paris, claiming the French national league title for three years in a row (1976, 1977, and 1978) in the process.

Born on December 6, 1947, Antoniadis was a member of Iraklis THESSALONIKI in the 60s and 70s, reaching success on the international stage as well. He played for Team Greece from 1967 to 1978, finishing his competitive career with as many as 300 international caps.

His main characteristic was his on-the-spot jump, which made him stand out. Nikolaos Antoniadis graduated from the Sports Academy in Athens and at the Universities of Nanterre, René Descartes, Saint Denis and Geneva in sociological studies. He was a lecturer of Sports Education and Sports Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.