Cuban wrestling icon Mijaín López made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning his fifth consecutive gold medal in the men’s Greco-Roman 130kg wrestling event. With this victory, López becomes the first athlete ever to achieve five consecutive golds in the same event, surpassing the records of legendary athletes like Michael Phelps.
In the final, held in the early hours of Wednesday, López showcased his unmatched skills by defeating his Chilean opponent with a decisive 6-0 score. Following his victory, the “Giant Beast,” as he is known, made an emotional exit from the sport. He kissed the wrestling mat, removed his shoes, kissed them, and left them on the mat as a symbolic gesture of retirement.
Reflecting on his career, López said, “It feels like leaving a part of your life behind. Wrestling has been my life since I was a child, and it’s taken me around the world. I leave a piece of my dream on that mat, hoping it inspires future generations.”
López’s Olympic journey began at the 2004 Athens Games, where he fell short in the quarterfinals. He redeemed himself at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning his first gold medal, and has held onto the top spot ever since. Commentators honored him during his win, stating, “He is the gold standard in this event because he always has been.”
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