The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, made sure to witness the historic moment when Cuban athlete Mijaín López clinched his fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal on Wednesday.
After the match, Bach approached the Cuban athlete to offer his congratulations. However, the IOC President did more than just shake hands or hug; he demonstrated his admiration and respect by bowing deeply to the victorious wrestler.
Mijaín López made history this Tuesday by becoming the first athlete worldwide to secure five consecutive gold medals in the same event at the Olympic Games. Nearing his 42nd birthday, López emerged victorious in the Greco-Roman wrestling 130-kilogram category, defeating Chilean wrestler of Cuban origin Yasmani Acosta with a score of 6-0.
The Cuban wrestler enjoyed the support of the enthusiastic crowd at Arena Campo de Marte, who greeted him with a thunderous ovation. Much like the previous day, chants of "López, López" filled the arena as spectators eagerly witnessed the establishment of a historic record likely to stand for years to come.
Following his victory, Mijaín López raised his arms to the sky, circled the central mat, kissed it, and removed his wrestling shoes—a traditional gesture marking a wrestler's final match.
The gold medal in Paris adds to those he won in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. His Olympic debut was in Athens 2004 at the age of 21, where he finished in fifth place.
His impressive résumé also includes five golds and three silvers in world championships and five golds in the Pan American Games.
Before his significant victory on Tuesday, López was tied with four consecutive Olympic golds in the same discipline, alongside Americans Michael Phelps (swimming), Carl Lewis (long jump), and Alfred Oerter (discus throw), as well as Danish sailor Paul Elvstrom and Japanese wrestler Kaori Icho.
Mijaín López's Historic Achievement and IOC President's Gesture
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Mijaín López's historic achievement and the IOC President's heartfelt congratulations.
Who is Mijaín López?
Mijaín López is a Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler who has won five consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 130-kilogram category.
What was the gesture made by IOC President Thomas Bach?
Thomas Bach bowed deeply to Mijaín López, showing his admiration and respect for the Cuban athlete's historic achievement.
Which other athletes have won four consecutive Olympic gold medals in the same event?
Other athletes who have won four consecutive Olympic gold medals in the same event include Michael Phelps (swimming), Carl Lewis (long jump), Alfred Oerter (discus throw), Paul Elvstrom (sailing), and Kaori Icho (wrestling).