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Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler Mijain Lopez Nuñez retires
Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler Mijain Lopez Nuñez bagged his fifth consecutive gold medal at the men’s 130kg event after defeating Yasmani Fernandez of Chile.
Lopez became the first Olympic athlete to win gold in the same event at five consecutive games. He’s also the first wrestler to win five golds.
After the match, Lopez symbolically retired by placing his shoes at the center of the mat.
Photo Courtesy: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
“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.”
He first appeared at the Summer Olympics in 2004, when he finished fifth. Now, he's ready to pass the torch.
“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.”
After winning his gold, Lopez embraced Acosta Fernandez, a Cuban who moved to Chile to give himself a better chance of competing in the big events like the Summer Games.
Acosta Fernandez is the first wrestling medalist for Chile. He said he didn't mind being a part of history.
As Lopez continued to celebrate, jubilant fans clapped in unison as the song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by the Eurythmics blared over the sound system. Lopez dropped to all fours, then stood briefly before unlacing his shoes as the crowd cheered.
After he removed his shoes, he held both arms up and acknowledged the fans again.
