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On the afternoon of Sunday, February 16, during the XXXIII International Book Fair of Havana, three literary works dedicated to the life and legacy of Cuban athletes Mijaín López and Omara Durand were presented, highlighting their impact on national and international sports.
The works Mijaín López, the Legend by Yoel Augusto León Cabrera; Mijaín López, the Giant Who Shook the World by Norland Rosendo and Bertha Mojena; and Omara Durand, an Extraordinary Journey by Dailene Dovale, were published by the publishing houses Abril and Loynaz, according to information from the official site Cubadebate.
The authors agreed on the importance of these books for immortalizing the careers of both athletes, not only for their achievements in Greco-Roman wrestling and Paralympic athletics, but also for their human qualities and the impact they have had on Cuban society.
Mijaín López, present at the event, expressed his gratitude to the editors and everyone who made the project possible, highlighting that the pages of his book reflect the effort and dedication of his entire career. The presentation was a tribute to two significant figures in Cuban sports.
Mijaín López and his Olympic records
Mijaín López made the history of modern Olympism his own, becoming the first competitor in any discipline to win five consecutive titles in the same individual event.
It happened in the wrestling competition, in the 130-kilogram division of the Greco-Roman style, where the legend of the island reigned in Paris 2024, the same one who previously dominated in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020.
Furthermore, no wrestler had won five titles in the history of the Games, and along the way, he also entered the record books as the longest-lived gladiator to win a medal, at 41 years and 11 months, a feat that was previously held by Adolf Lindfors (41 and a half years), who won gold in Antwerp 1920.
The "Gigante de Herradura" (5-0-0) reaffirmed itself as the top winner of crowns in its country and tied with the fencer Ramón Fonst (4-1-0/Paris 1900, St. Louis 1904) in terms of the number of medals.
Two decades after his debut in Athens 2004, where he left without standing on the podium, Mijaín López closed the curtains on his unparalleled Olympic career, and the emotion reached unimaginable levels as he knelt down, placed his shoes in the center of the mat, and shed tears amid a whirlwind of feelings.
In the decisive bout, he displayed the demeanor of an invincible man, a tough guy, but his indomitable nature changed after success was declared over his compatriot Yasmani Acosta (6-0), who represents Chile and is also a source of pride for the island.
Omara Durand, a true legend
Regarded as the greatest sprinter in the history of athletics for the disabled, Omara Durand bid farewell to the tracks with 11 gold medals under the shadow of the Olympic rings, some of them alongside her guide and friend, Yunior Kindelán, following their last award ceremony together.
His last major achievements came at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where he dominated the 100, 200, and 400 meters in the T12 category, just hours before confirming his retirement from competitive sports.
Frequently Asked Questions about the International Book Fair and the Tributes to Mijaín López and Omara Durand
What books were presented at the International Book Fair of Havana in honor of Mijaín López and Omara Durand?
Three literary works dedicated to Mijaín López and Omara Durand were presented, highlighting their impact on sports. The works are "Mijaín López, the Legend" by Yoel Augusto León Cabrera; "Mijaín López, the Giant that Shook the World" by Norland Rosendo and Bertha Mojena; and "Omara Durand, An Extraordinary Journey" by Dailene Dovale.
Why are the books dedicated to Mijaín López and Omara Durand important?
These books are important because they immortalize the journey of both athletes, not only for their merits in Greco-Roman wrestling and Paralympic athletics but also for their humanity and the impact they have had on Cuban society. Furthermore, they reflect the effort and dedication of their sports careers.
What have been the most notable Olympic achievements of Mijaín López?
Mijaín López has achieved five consecutive Olympic titles in Greco-Roman wrestling, becoming the first competitor in any discipline to reach this milestone. Moreover, he is the oldest wrestler to win an Olympic gold medal, breaking the previous record at 41 years and 11 months.
What achievements has Omara Durand made in para-athletics?
Omara Durand has won 11 gold medals at the Paralympic Games, establishing herself as one of the greatest sprinters in the history of athletics for athletes with disabilities. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, she dominated the 100, 200, and 400 meters events in the T12 category, reaffirming her dominance on the track.
How has Mijaín López influenced the propaganda of the Cuban regime?
Mijaín López has been used by the Cuban regime as a symbol of revolutionary sport and of the strength of the socialist system. His image is frequently associated with official propaganda, and he has publicly shown his support for the leadership and policies of the Cuban government, becoming a champion of the continuity of Castroism.
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