Mijaín López, the Cuban wrestling legend, made Olympic history on Tuesday. The 41-year-old athlete won his fifth consecutive gold medal in the same event. This feat has never been achieved before in Olympic history.
Cuban Wrestling Giant Triumphs in Paris
López secured his historic win in the Greco-Roman wrestling 130 kg category. He defeated Yasmani Acosta, a Chilean of Cuban origin, with a score of 6-0. The match took place at the Arena Champs de Mars in Paris.
The crowd roared with enthusiasm, chanting “López, López” throughout the event. They witnessed a moment that will likely remain unmatched for years to come. López’s victory is even more impressive considering he hadn’t competed in nearly three years since the Tokyo Games.
The “Giant of Herradura” Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Known as the “Giant of Herradura” in his home country, López hails from a small town in Cuba’s Pinar del Río province. His journey to Olympic greatness began long before Paris 2024.
López’s string of victories started in Beijing 2008. He then continued his winning streak in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. Now, with his Paris 2024 triumph, he has solidified his place in Olympic history.
Other Olympic Highlights from Paris 2024
While López’s achievement stole the show, other athletes also shone brightly in Paris. American runner Gabrielle Thomas dominated the 200m final, claiming gold with a time of 21.83 seconds.
In the women’s hammer throw, Canadian Camryn Rogers took gold with a 76.97-meter throw. Greek athlete Miltiadis Tentoglou retained his long jump title from Tokyo, securing gold with an 8.48m jump.
Medal Count and Looking Ahead
As of August 6, 2024, the United States leads the medal count with 24 golds. China follows closely with 22, while Australia holds third place with 14 gold medals.
López’s historic win not only celebrates his individual achievement but also highlights Cuba’s strength in Olympic wrestling. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes around the world.
