The unstoppable Cuban wrestler, Mijaín López, dedicated his fifth Olympic title, securing his legendary status in the sport, to his father Bartolo, who passed away in September 2023. In an emotional statement after his victory, the now five-time Olympic champion expressed his satisfaction in fulfilling his promises and dedicated the win especially to his father.
"I'm happy to fulfill what I promised to the people of Cuba. This victory is dedicated especially to my father Bartolo, may God rest his soul," stated López, visibly moved, after achieving the greatest sporting feat in the last 128 years of the modern Olympic Games.
In an interview with the official Cuban press, Mijaín responded: "My father couldn't see this moment, but he fights with me. This medal is dedicated to him. Life didn't allow him to witness this moment, but he accomplished his mission by leaving the world's best wrestler on Earth."
Historic Win in Paris 2024
On Tuesday, López cemented his legend by defeating his compatriot Yasmani Acosta (6-0), who now represents Chile, to become a five-time Olympic champion in a historic final at the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman wrestling event in Paris 2024. The victory marked the first gold medal for the island in the current Olympics.
His only Olympic defeat occurred on August 24, 2004, against Russian wrestler Kashan Baroev. After that, he recorded victories in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020. López is considered one of the greatest athletes in history.
Cubans also celebrated the silver medal won by Acosta, a wrestler trained on the island who decided to emigrate in 2015 in search of better opportunities, given López's dominance in the same division.
Speaking to the state-run newspaper Granma, López stated, "It will be a very beautiful final, full of camaraderie. Yasmani Acosta and I started this journey a long time ago as kids, and now we will compete for an Olympic title."
After the match, Mijaín confirmed his retirement from active sports. With a slow walk, he returned to the competitive surface and delivered a legendary farewell in front of thousands at the Champ de Mars Arena: he removed his wrestling shoes, knelt, and placed them on the Olympic logo printed on the mat, shedding tears.
Mijaín López's Olympic Journey and Dedication to His Father
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mijaín López's recent victory and his dedication to his late father.
Who is Mijaín López?
Mijaín López is a Cuban wrestler and a five-time Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is considered one of the greatest athletes in the sport's history.
Why did Mijaín López dedicate his victory to his father?
Mijaín López dedicated his victory to his father Bartolo, who passed away in September 2023. He expressed that his father couldn't witness the moment but fought alongside him in spirit.
What was López's only Olympic defeat?
López's only Olympic defeat was on August 24, 2004, against Russian wrestler Kashan Baroev. Since then, he has won gold medals in four consecutive Olympic Games.
Who did López defeat to win his fifth Olympic title?
López defeated Yasmani Acosta, a Cuban-born wrestler representing Chile, to win his fifth Olympic title in the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman wrestling event at Paris 2024.