Cuban wrestler Yuneylis Guzmán (50 kg) will compete for the gold medal this Wednesday after her semifinal opponent was disqualified due to weight issues. According to the Cuban delegation, the event's organizing committee announced that Guzmán would take the place of India's Vinesh Phogat, who was eliminated after exceeding the morning weigh-in limit.
The Indian athlete, who finished ninth at Tokyo 2020 and defeated Guzmán earlier in these Olympics, was disqualified for being 100 grams over the weight limit. As a result, the Cuban wrestler will automatically advance to the gold medal match on Wednesday afternoon.
Guzmán's Historic Achievement
Yusneilys Guzmán, nicknamed “La Chiqui”, will face American wrestler Sara Ann Hildebrandt, who won bronze in Tokyo, for the 50-kilogram women's freestyle wrestling title. Guzmán, a student of the experienced coach Filiberto Delgado, had already made history by reaching the semifinals. Although she lost 0-5 to Vinesh in that round, she was set to compete for bronze.
This is the second Olympic appearance for the 28-year-old from Havana. In Tokyo 2020, Guzmán finished 12th, but now she has the chance to fight for gold, which is a significant accomplishment. Guzmán, who is guaranteed at least a silver medal, has become the first Cuban woman to secure a medal in freestyle wrestling at the Olympic Games.
Currently, Cuba is ranked 40th in the Paris medal table, with one gold and one bronze medal. The gold medal, which helped the island improve several spots in the country rankings, was won on Tuesday by the stellar Greco-Roman wrestler Mijaín López.
Key Questions About Yusneilys Guzmán's Journey to the Gold Medal Match
Here are some frequently asked questions about Yusneilys Guzmán's unexpected advancement to the gold medal match and what it means for her and Cuba.
Why was Vinesh Phogat disqualified?
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams during the morning weigh-in.
Who will Yusneilys Guzmán face in the gold medal match?
Yusneilys Guzmán will compete against American wrestler Sara Ann Hildebrandt, who won bronze at Tokyo 2020.
What is the significance of Guzmán's advancement to the gold medal match?
Guzmán's advancement marks the first time a Cuban woman has secured a medal in freestyle wrestling at the Olympic Games. She is now guaranteed at least a silver medal.
How has Cuba performed in the Paris Olympics so far?
Cuba is currently ranked 40th in the medal table with one gold and one bronze medal. The gold was won by Greco-Roman wrestler Mijaín López.