Mijaín López, the 41-year-old Greco-Roman wrestler who became the only athlete in history to win five gold medals in five consecutive Olympic Games, stated that after retiring from active sports, he wants to continue helping young people who love this discipline.
In an exclusive interview with Marca, the Cuban said he will continue to be involved in sports in some way and will keep supporting the athletes from the island, which is experiencing a massive exodus of sportspeople.
"I want to keep helping young people in this sport who want to achieve things and to be a mentor where they need me and where they want me," he expressed after confirming his retirement from competitions.
"I said recently that I can no longer compete. It's not that I've given up, but there are other things one has to live in life, like being with family and children, for example. Now it is time to say goodbye to the fighting part of this sport," he emphasized.
Referring to her victory in Paris 2024, she considered it spectacular and added that "after so many years of career, being able to achieve this result is incredible."
"They said it was impossible, but we have achieved it," he added, making it clear that perseverance and love for the sport have been key to his success.
López added to his legend last Tuesday by defeating his compatriot Yasmani Acosta (6-0), representative of Chile, to become a five-time Olympic champion in a historic final in the 130 kilograms Greco-Roman style at Paris 2024.
The triumph represented the island's first gold in the current competition under the five rings.
His only defeat in the Olympic Games occurred on August 24, 2004, against the Russian Kashan Baroev. After that, there were only victories in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, Tokyo 2020, and now Paris.
López is considered one of the best athletes in history.
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