Mijain Lopez has retired as a champion. The 41-year-old Cuban wrestler defeated Yasmani Acosta Fernandez of Chile 6-0 in the 130-kilogram final at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, earning his fifth gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling.
He is the first athlete to win gold in the same event at five consecutive Olympic Games and the first wrestler to win five gold medals.
“What’s great is the joy,” Lopez said through a translator. “It was a result that I was craving, but also for the whole world and my country. So happy to reach the Olympic elite. The reward of a lifetime of working hard with the help of everyone and my family. It is my biggest win.”
After the match, Lopez placed his shoes in the center of the mat to symbolize his retirement. He first competed at the Summer Olympics in 2004, where he finished fifth. Now, he is ready to pass on his legacy.
“I have a lot of inspiration for all the young people that come to me for guidance,” he said. “I have a lot of inspiration to give to the world. I would like to educate the younger generations.”
Soon after winning this gold medal, Lopez hugged Acosta Fernandez, a Cuban who moved to Chile to improve his chances of competing in major events.
Acosta Fernandez is the first wrestling medalist for Chile. He said he didn’t mind being part of history.
“I feel a mix of emotions,” he said. “I wanted to win gold, but at the same time, not so much because it’s Mijain, a legend in wrestling worldwide.”
As Lopez celebrated, fans cheered along with the song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by the Eurythmics playing loudly. Lopez dropped to his knees, then stood briefly before taking off his shoes as the crowd applauded.
After removing his shoes, he raised both arms and acknowledged the cheering fans once more.
