Cuban wrestler Yusneilys Guzmán was unable to overcome the skill of Indian competitor Vinesh Vinesh (0-5) in the semifinals of the women's 50-kilogram freestyle category, and will now compete for the bronze medal at Paris 2024.
Despite her tenacity, Guzmán was outclassed from start to finish. She had previously made a strong debut by defeating Turkish favorite Evi Demirhan (7-6) and later dominated Lithuanian Gabija Dilyte (10-0) in the quarterfinals. Known affectionately as "La Chiqui," Guzmán has already made history by becoming the first female wrestler from the island to win two matches in the Olympic Games, illustrating her rise since reigning at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Rosillo narrowly lost to Armenian Artur Alexanián (3-5) in a thrilling match, missing the chance to compete for the gold medal in the 97-kilogram category. In what many considered a premature final, the Santiago-born wrestler, who won the world title in Belgrade 2023, showcased his full arsenal of techniques but couldn't defeat Alexanián, a four-time world champion and Rio 2016 gold medalist.
Rosillo will also fight for a bronze medal to avoid leaving empty-handed, while Alexanián avenged his loss in the final of the last world championship. Prior to this crucial match, Rosillo had to stage a dramatic comeback to defeat German Lukas Lazogianis (7-5) in his opening bout and later eliminated Finnish Arvi Savolainen (5-2) in the quarterfinals.
Cuba is eagerly anticipating today's final between two of its own: wrestling legend Mijaín López and Yasmani Acosta, who represents Chile, in the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman final. López, often hailed as the "GOAT" of the sport, will be seeking his fifth Olympic gold medal, having won consecutively in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020.
Key Moments in Cuban Wrestling at Paris 2024
Here are some key questions and answers about the recent performances of Cuban wrestlers at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Who did Yusneilys Guzmán lose to in the semifinals?
Yusneilys Guzmán lost to Indian wrestler Vinesh Vinesh in the semifinals.
What achievements has Yusneilys Guzmán made in the Olympics?
Yusneilys Guzmán became the first female wrestler from Cuba to win two matches in the Olympic Games.
How did Gabriel Rosillo perform in his semifinal match?
Gabriel Rosillo lost to Armenian wrestler Artur Alexanián in a close match with a score of 3-5.
What is Mijaín López aiming for in the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman final?
Mijaín López is aiming for his fifth Olympic gold medal in the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman final.