Years before sports journalism was eschewed by public opinion—and most industries in this country, by the way— Giannis Diacoyannis he managed to raise her to the highest level of recognition and respect.

Although there was much room for further improvement, Mr. Giannis erected, dare you say, an impenetrable wall of prestige for our Sinafi, with the building materials of his rare culture, his education, his sophistication, his knowledge and his almost infallible criterion. him, both to the news and to colleagues.

He was transported to another era, when everything moved at a different speed. Without high speeds, but also without the Internet, social networks, smartphones and computers. It was a time when even young journalists of my generation were looking for a phone booth, or any booth, or a grocery store with a phone, like an oasis in the desert. Where we scribbled on newsprint (at best), waiting for the characteristic sound of a fax or telex to signal another “alarm” when the paper roll began to unfold menacingly in all directions.

The authentic journalism of Giannis Diakoyannis was won, not given away. The sports editor had authority and was not afraid to reveal his fan sympathies, because his compass was sports. The core of sports and journalism.

Thus, Olympiacos listened carefully to what Diakoyannis said or wrote. Panathinaikos respectfully read the report of Nikitas Gavalas, who could be found singing in some club every now and then.

Similarly, Zano, who passionately “sucked” the music of his great weakness, Maria Callas, Chopin, Hatzidakis, did not hesitate to describe races, describe the Danube as black, not blue, refuting even Strauss’s audacity.

All of them were part of a separate culture, which was comprehensive and fully perceived by the reader, listener or viewer.

Unfortunately, time is merciless. Diacogiannides and Gavalades should teach in every school, university, newspaper, website, radio station, channel. How are they. Not pointing fingers.

It was enough that you were just next to them or somewhere near them. Everything else was captured by their aura. It was impossible not to follow, not to accept their baptism.

With the “escape” of Diakoyannis, perhaps it would be more correct that all of us, following the path that he paved, think about the responsibility that we bear in relation to society. Let’s take a look in the mirror and finally take on the weight that belongs to each of us in the industry.

Learning to respect every color, even if we don’t like the person holding the brush, is temporary. Because behind every color are hundreds and thousands of people who have the right to be properly informed. Take things from a journalist and give them to him.

Giannis Diakoyannis has left us, but his deeds and his common culture have remained with us. A huge legacy that we must sincerely embrace. Until it’s time…