Following the historic achievement of Cuban wrestler Mijaín López securing his fifth Olympic gold medal, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel took to social media to share his elation. He stated, "I am truly happy for this victory."
"I am not exaggerating when I say #MijaínIsCuba: the essence of our people with African and European roots who do not give up, who are not for sale, who believe in themselves and their heritage. The most important thing about this Olympics, without Cuban chauvinism, is that it is a unique feat. Such admiration! How happy I am!" the leader wrote just minutes after the match.
Díaz-Canel expressed similar sentiments to Mijaín in a video call shared by the digital portal JIT. "You have shown you have the spirit of a gladiator, a warrior, and also an exemplary Cuban and revolutionary," Díaz-Canel said, recalling a similar conversation they had during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after Mijaín's fourth consecutive gold medal.
On the eve of this Tuesday's match, Mijaín and Díaz-Canel also had a phone conversation in which the wrestler assured he would defend his title at the Paris 2024 Games. "Thank you for your call. Rest assured, that title will be Cuba's tomorrow," Mijaín declared.
Mijaín is known as a staunch supporter of the Cuban regime. During the previous Pan American Games held in Santiago, Chile, the wrestler assaulted a young Cuban protestor who was demonstrating against the Havana regime in a baseball stadium. The incident occurred when the young Cuban unfurled a flag with the phrase "Freedom for Cuba." Despite the victim's lawsuit, Chilean prosecutors dismissed the case.
Nevertheless, this Tuesday, López became a five-time Olympic champion in a historic final in the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman category, defeating the Cuban-born Chilean Yasmani Acosta 6-0. This match marked Mijaín's last official bout before retiring from active sports.
Wearing a tight red singlet, Mijaín delivered a spectacular farewell performance, delighting the thousands present at the Champ de Mars Arena and the many more who watched him become the only athlete in history to win the same individual event five times under the Olympic rings.
Mijaín López's Historic Achievement and Díaz-Canel's Reaction
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning Mijaín López's recent victory and Miguel Díaz-Canel's response, providing more insight into the event and its significance.
Who is Mijaín López?
Mijaín López is a Cuban wrestler known for his dominance in the Greco-Roman style. He has won five Olympic gold medals, making him the only athlete to achieve this feat in the same individual event.
What did Miguel Díaz-Canel say about Mijaín López's victory?
Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his happiness and admiration for Mijaín López's victory, stating that Mijaín represents the resilient and proud spirit of the Cuban people.
Did Mijaín López face any controversies?
Yes, Mijaín López faced controversy during the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, where he assaulted a young Cuban protestor demonstrating against the Cuban regime.