The legendary Cuban wrestler Mijaín López triumphed on Monday against Azerbaijan's Sabah Shariati (4-1) to secure a place in the grand final of the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
López, who has reigned supreme in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020, dominated the match effortlessly, setting the stage to achieve his unprecedented fifth Olympic gold medal in combat sports.
Path to the Final
Before the semifinal, the "Giant of Herradura" defeated South Korea's Lee Seung-chan (7-0) and then overcame one of the favorites, Iran's Amir Mirzazadeh, the 2023 Belgrade World Champion.
The Cuban star has suffered only two defeats in the last 16 years (2011 and 2015 against Turkey's Riza Kayalp), with his only loss in these competitions occurring on August 24, 2004, in Athens, Greece, when he was bested by Russia's Kashan Baroev.
Undoubtedly, at 41 years old, the Cuban's dominance remains overwhelming, defying the prediction of the prestigious American magazine Sports Illustrated, which had forecasted a bronze medal for him.
López, a five-time world champion, will face the winner of the bout between the Cuban-born Chilean Yasmani Acosta and China's Lingzhe Meng, who are set to clash in just a few moments.
Mijaín López's Road to Paris 2024
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mijaín López's journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic final.
Who did Mijaín López defeat to reach the final?
Mijaín López defeated Azerbaijan's Sabah Shariati (4-1) in the semifinal to secure his spot in the final.
How many Olympic gold medals has Mijaín López won?
Mijaín López has won four Olympic gold medals in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020. He is aiming for his fifth in Paris 2024.
Who will Mijaín López face in the final?
Mijaín López will face the winner of the match between Yasmani Acosta and Lingzhe Meng.