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Army General Raúl Castro Ruz once again appeared before the public to bestow the honorary title of Hero of the Republic of Cuba on Mijaín López, a five-time Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling.
During the event, attended by high-ranking officials of the Havana regime, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Gladys Bejerano Portela and Omara Durand were also honored as Heroines of Labor, according to the official site Cubadebate.
Undoubtedly, the recognition awarded to López highlights not only his exceptional sports career but also his deep commitment to revolutionary values and his people.
Salvador Valdés Mesa, Vice President of the Republic, emphasized that Mijaín's achievements rank him among the greatest athletes of all time. Beyond his impressive victories at the Olympic Games, Valdés Mesa highlighted the athlete's loyalty to the legacy of Fidel and Raúl, as well as to the Revolution that shaped him.
“Just reviewing his impressive record is enough to recognize Mijaín as one of the greatest athletes of all time,” stated Valdés Mesa, recalling the countless victories that have made Mijaín a symbol of perseverance and greatness for Cuba and the world.
Mijaín, considered by many to be the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler in history, has always supported the communist government, to the extent of having struck a young compatriot at the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile, although the lawsuit filed by Damián Montes de Oca Iglesias was dismissed by the courts.
Mijaín López and his Olympic records
Mijaín López has made his mark on the history of modern Olympic sports by becoming the first competitor in any discipline to win five consecutive titles in the same individual event.
It happened in the wrestling competition, within the 130-kilogram division of Greco-Roman style, where the legend from the island reigned in Paris 2024, the same athlete who had previously dominated in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020.
Moreover, no wrestler had ever won five titles in the history of the Games, and along the way, he made history as the oldest gladiator to win a medal, at the age of 41 years and 11 months. This achievement was previously held by Adolf Lindfors (41 and a half years old), who won gold in Antwerp in 1920.
The "Gigante de Herradura" (5-0-0) has confirmed his status as the top winner of titles in his country, tying with fencer Ramón Fonst (4-1-0/Paris 1900, St. Louis 1904) in terms of the number of medals.
Two decades after his debut at Athens 2004, where he left without stepping on the podium, Mijaín López concluded his unparalleled Olympic career, and the emotion reached unprecedented levels as he knelt down, placed his shoes in the center of the mat, and shed tears amidst a whirlwind of feelings.
In the decisive match, he displayed the demeanor of an invincible man, a tough guy, but his indomitable nature shifted after he was declared the victor over his compatriot Yasmani Acosta (6-0), representative of Chile and also a source of pride for the island.
A recognition of commitment and excellence
At the same event, Gladys Bejerano, who led the General Comptroller's Office of the Republic for 15 years, and Omara Durand, an undeniable star of the international Paralympic movement, were praised for their contributions to the country. Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, General Secretary of the Central Workers' Union of Cuba, emphasized Bejerano's discipline, rigor, and loyalty, and described Omara as a symbol of dedication and sacrifice for the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mijaín López's Honor as a Hero of the Republic of Cuba
Why was Mijaín López honored as a Hero of the Republic of Cuba?
Mijaín López was honored as a Hero of the Republic of Cuba for his exceptional sporting career, being a five-time Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, and for his commitment to the revolutionary values of the Cuban regime. This recognition underscores his loyalty to the legacy of Fidel and Raúl Castro, as well as his support for the current regime.
What are Mijaín López's most notable sports achievements?
Mijaín López is renowned for achieving five consecutive Olympic titles in the same Greco-Roman wrestling event (130 kg), making him the first competitor in any discipline to reach this milestone. Furthermore, he is the oldest wrestler to win an Olympic gold medal, breaking the previous record at 41 years and 11 months.
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 sports and the strength of the socialist system. His image is frequently associated with official propaganda, and he has publicly demonstrated his support for the leadership and policies of the Cuban government, becoming a champion of the continuity of castroism.
What other awards did Gladys Bejerano and Omara Durand receive during the ceremony?
During the same ceremony, Gladys Bejerano and Omara Durand were honored as Heroines of Labor. Bejerano was recognized for her discipline and loyalty after leading the Comptroller General's Office of the Republic for 15 years, while Durand was praised for her dedication and sacrifice as a prominent figure in the international Paralympic movement.
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