Alexandros Gkinis's recent involvement in the Winter Olympics and the events resulting from it have cast a shadow over the farewell of Greece's top winter sports athlete. The 31-year-old champion effectively made his last descent by exiting the Winter Olympic events, leading to numerous reactions from the public and sports community. Many commentators, including President Georgios Nikitidis of the Winter Sports Federation, expressed their belief that Gkinis should have been replaced by an athlete who could compete, arguing that this would have been more fitting for the Olympic spirit.

In light of the situation, Nikitidis publicly rebutted claims made about the federation's role in the developments concerning Gkinis, asserting that the federation was not involved in any way concerning Gkinis's departure from the Olympics. His comments emphasize a frustration with the misinformation circulating in the media and amongst the public regarding the federation’s actions, as he called for evidence to substantiate any allegations related to their conduct in this matter.

This controversy raises important questions about athlete representation and support in elite sports scenarios, particularly in an Olympic context. The implications of Gkinis's exit and the ensuing debates surrounding athlete replacement reflect broader issues of governance and accountability within national sports federations, highlighting the complexities that can arise within the world of competitive athletics.