Twelve years ago today, the volleyball world was shaken by the sudden loss of Nikos Samaras, one of Greece’s greatest athletes and a European volleyball icon. On January 4, 2013, news broke that Samaras had passed away at just 42, the victim of a brain aneurysm. It was a Friday afternoon, and the nation was left in collective disbelief. On this sad day and anniversary, the Greek volleyball portal volleynews.gr marked the occasion with a post and an article.
Known as the “Eagle of Orestiada,” Samaras wasn’t just a player—he was an inspiration. In the 1990s, his brilliance on the court led Orestiada to historic successes, turning countless young Greeks toward the sport. His charisma elevated Greek volleyball to new heights, and his impact was felt far beyond the games.
The video below features a match from the 1994 FIVB Men’s World Championship between Greece and Russia. The tournament took place from September 29 to October 8 in Piraeus and Thessaloniki, Greece.
