Paris 2024 is set to make its grand entrance. The 33rd Olympic Games are officially underway, bringing with them athletes from around the world who will pen legendary stories. One such athlete is the Cuban powerhouse, Mijaín López, a favorite to claim his fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in six editions of the Games.
The giant from Herradura is optimistic about securing his fifth Olympic title after confidently navigating his last four Olympic appearances. Mijaín made his debut at 22 years old in Athens 2004, where he fell in the quarterfinals to Russian wrestler Khasan Baroev, who would become the last heavyweight Olympic champion before the "Mijaín López era" began.
In Beijing 2008, the young man with a broad smile and humble demeanor began his successful Olympic journey. None of his opponents scored a single point against him. The Belarusian Siarhei Artsiukin, Armenian Yuri Patrikeyeb, Swedish Jalmar Sjoberg, and finally, his previous conqueror Khasan Baroev, were all defeated by the Cuban giant.
London 2012 reaffirmed his dominance as he crushed his five rivals, including Turkish wrestler Riza Kayaalp in the semifinals, who had worried many but not the Cuban. In the final, Mijaín defeated the Estonian Heiki Nabi.
An unforgettable moment for me was interviewing three-time Olympic champion Alexandr Karelin after Mijaín's second victory. Karelin remarked that “Mijaín was good, but not good enough to win the Olympics three times.” I can only imagine what he would say now as Mijaín aims for his fifth gold medal!
Between Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 (2021), Mijaín accumulated nine more victories without conceding a single point. In both finals, he defeated his eternal rival, Kayaalp, and the Georgian Iakobi Kajaia.
I've had the fortune of accompanying Mijaín at several important events, including his first three Olympics, Pan American Games, and training sessions. He has always struck me as a big kid, inspiring his teammates. Nicknamed “the kid” when he joined the national team as a youngster, he often shared rooms during trips with fellow Olympic champion Filiberto Azcuy, from whom he learned his relentless spirit.
Mijaín also acknowledges the Barcelona '92 Olympic champion in his category, Héctor Milián, as a mentor. Paris welcomes the skill, intelligence, and power of Mijaín López, who could achieve an extraordinary feat: his fifth Olympic title!
This time, with the absence of Riza Kayaalp and Russian wrestler Serguey Semenov, his main rival will be the young Iranian Amin Mirzazadeh. According to experienced coach and analyst Daniel Gómez, Mirzazadeh's style, which relies on grappling and pushing, will not surpass Mijaín, especially when they wrestle on the mat.
Our champion has plenty of weapons to prevail even at the age of 42! Initially guided by the duo of Pedro Val and Carlos Ulacia, and now under the leadership of Raúl Trujillo and Héctor Milián, Mijaín López is writing a glorious chapter in Olympic history that will culminate on August 5th, when the 130 kg wrestlers take to the mat in Paris.
Mijaín López's Pursuit of a Fifth Olympic Gold
As Mijaín López aims for his fifth Olympic gold medal, many questions arise about his journey and the competition he will face. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Who is Mijaín López?
Mijaín López is a Cuban wrestler aiming for his fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the heavyweight category. He has dominated the sport since his debut in Athens 2004.
What are Mijaín López's major achievements?
Mijaín López has won four Olympic gold medals in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. He is aiming for his fifth gold in Paris 2024.
Who are Mijaín López's main rivals in Paris 2024?
With the absence of Riza Kayaalp and Serguey Semenov, the young Iranian wrestler Amin Mirzazadeh is considered Mijaín López's main rival in Paris 2024.