No one appointed them to the top

Their achievements make us proud at a time when we need something to lean on: Yorgos Lanthimos, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Constantinos Daskalakis and many others represent a generation of Greeks who have strived, worked hard and squared up to the world without awe or fear - and succeeded.

As a nation, we need to hang on to their examples at a time when our national confidence is in tatters. Our history and tradition fill us with pride, but we need living proof that we can still make it today.

It's worth keeping in mind that none of our contemporary idols managed to climb to the top solely through their talent. Obviously, no one appointed them to the top. No one asked them what party they vote for or who their father is. They did not emerge from the ranks of the country's pseudo-elite or the party pipeline.

Greece produces a lot of talent...