WINNER

MILE JEDINAK
The former Australian captain helped championship side Aston Villa find their way back to the Premier League. The “villagers” were able to hold off a Derby County side coached by legendary figure of English football Frank Lampard to secure a 2-1 win that will see them return to the sport’s top category on the island. Jedinak did not participate in the game, yet he has held an influential part in the squad for many years. Despite recent rumours that want him returning to home grounds to lead a newly-inducted Macarthur South West side into the A-League, it is quite likely that he could remain at Villa Park for yet another season.

OLYMPIACOS WATER POLO TEAM
The red-and-whites have added yet another title to their already rich collection. The Piraeus club were able to overcome the obstacle of their great rivals Vouliagmeni, defeating them 11-7 in the last game between the two teams and sealing the title with 3-1. Olympiacos have a great tradition in underwater sports and with this win serving as a great reminder of that fact, as this was the seventh consecutive championship for the team.

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS
One of the most popular names in this column, Tsitsipas has recently embarked on his journey in the French Open (a.k.a. Roland Garros) with great success. The 20-year-old easily overcame the obstacle of his German opponent Max Marterer, and he looks on to the challenge of Bolivian Hugo Dalian. Tsitsipas aims to go even further than the second round that is his best performance at a French Open (2018) and seems to be in perfect condition to do so. He is currently ranked at number six worldwide and should he do well here, he could potentially make it in to the top five.

SINNERS

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
Even though he is one of the most impressive players in the NBA this season, named in the top five best players the league has to offer, and that the Milwaukee Bucks finished at the top of the eastern conference during the regular season, they still couldn’t make it further than the conference finals. The Bucks were knocked out 4-2 by the Raptors, with Antetokounmpo unable to contribute much towards his team’s efforts as the Toronto defence proved too much for him. There is still a high chance that he could be named MVP of the season for the NBA, which is a huge honour for any player. But since he didn’t manage to slip that championship ring on his finger, the season is deemed as an unsuccessful one.

THANASSI KOKKINAKIS
More of a victim of circumstance rather than a disappointing performance, Kokkinakis was never able to participate in the Roland Garros. The young athlete couldn’t get over the shoulder injury that has been troubling him for the past few months, despite travelling to Serbia to receive special treatment where he followed a program to prepare him for the competition. He was ruled out of the qualifying round game against Czech player Lukas Rosol due to severe pains.

SEGAS
The Hellenic Amateur Athletics Organisation’s reaction to Emmanouil Karalis’ report of his coach (and former champion in the long jump) Dimitris Kiteas for racist abuse was literally non-existent. In fact, this was the second time the young athlete reported a similar incident, yet still the federation has done nothing to make sure that Karalis or other aspiring athletes, won’t fall victim to similar behaviours. According to the report, on 22 May Kiteas referred to him and his parents in a very disrespectful manner, pointing out that other athletes shouldn’t be taking pictures with him because it could prove harmful for their careers. A SEGAS representative pointed out that they still haven’t received the report made by Karalis in their hands and that should they do so, they will move on to take the appropriate actions.