Cuban athlete Mijaín López, a four-time Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, demonstrated his dominance for the second time this Monday at the Paris 2024 Olympics by defeating Iranian Amin Mirzazadeh, the current world champion. López secured his place in the semifinals with a 3-1 victory over Mirzazadeh.
The Cuban wrestler made his debut in Paris on August 5, in the over 130 kg category, with a comfortable 7-0 win against South Korean Seungchan Lee. The bout between Mijaín López and Amin Mirzazadeh was widely regarded as an early final.
López, known as the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) in Greco-Roman wrestling, appeared ready to compete and prove once again his ability to achieve his goal. If López wins his fifth gold medal at the Olympic Games, he will set a record, matching the achievement of fencer Ramón Fonst, who won consecutive gold medals 120 years ago.
Currently, Mijaín López is part of an elite group of five athletes who have won four consecutive gold medals in the same specialty. Additionally, he could enter the records of Paris 2024 as the oldest wrestler to win an Olympic medal, surpassing Adolf Lindfors, a gold medalist in 1920.
Since his debut in Athens 2004, where he placed fifth, López has been the undisputed Olympic gold medalist in subsequent editions. To optimize his performance, the Cuban delegation decided that he would not carry the flag at the opening ceremony of these Olympic Games, delegating this responsibility to boxer Julio César La Cruz.
As of now, the Cuban delegation is ranked 63rd in the medal table, far from the expectations of the island's authorities.
Mijaín López's Journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Below are some frequently asked questions about Mijaín López's performance and significance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Who did Mijaín López defeat to reach the semifinals?
Mijaín López defeated Iranian Amin Mirzazadeh, the current world champion, with a score of 3-1 to reach the semifinals.
What record could Mijaín López achieve if he wins another gold medal?
If Mijaín López wins another gold medal, he will set a record by matching the achievement of fencer Ramón Fonst, who won consecutive gold medals 120 years ago.
Why was Mijaín López not the flag bearer at the opening ceremony?
To optimize his performance, the Cuban delegation decided that Mijaín López would not carry the flag at the opening ceremony, delegating this responsibility to boxer Julio César La Cruz.