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In the midst of the excitement over his historic fifth Olympic gold medal, Mijaín López received a "praise", not from a fan, a coach, or an international media outlet, but from his own parents.
Mijaín is more patriotic than a champion,” said Leonor, his mother, emphasizing that her son's greatest merit lies not only on the wrestling mats but also in his loyalty to the Cuban regime, as reported by the official media Granma.
The achievement of the Pinar del Río wrestler was etched in Olympic history on August 6, after defeating the Chilean-Cuban Yasmani Acosta in the final of the 130-kilogram greco-Roman wrestling event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With this victory, he achieved an unprecedented record: five consecutive gold medals in five Olympic Games, something unprecedented in any discipline with a single event per edition.
His father, Bartolo, also expressed his pride, highlighting his son's commitment to the "homeland": “For me, Mijaín’s most important medal is his heart, his kindness, and the commitment he has to this Revolution, without which he would have been nothing, as the son of poor farmers and a Black man.”
Mijaín decisively defeated the South Korean Lee Seungchan, the Iranian world champion Amin Mirzazadeh, and the Azerbaijani Sabah Shariati, amassing 20 consecutive Olympic victories without any losses.
The final against Acosta was symbolic, as both started together on the wrestling mats as children in Cuba.
But for his mother, the true podium is occupied by "patriotism" and "gratitude" towards the revolution which, according to her, made it possible for her son to go so far.
Mijaín, considered by many to be the best Greco-Roman wrestler in history, has always shown his support for the communist government, to the point of having struck a young compatriot at the Pan American Games in Chile 2023, although the complaint by Damián Montes de Oca Iglesias was dismissed by the judiciary.
López was honored as a Hero of the Republic of Cuba for his exceptional sports career, a five-time Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, and for his commitment to the revolutionary values of the Cuban regime. This recognition highlights his loyalty to the legacy of Fidel and Raúl Castro, as well as his support for the current regime.
General of the Army Raúl Castro Ruz once again presented himself before the public to bestow the honorary title. The event also featured high-ranking officials from the Havana regime, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mijaín López and His Commitment to Cuba
What is Mijaín López's most notable achievement in the Olympic Games?
Mijaín López has achieved an unprecedented record by winning five consecutive gold medals in the Olympic Games in the 130-kilogram greco-Roman wrestling category. This feat makes him one of the most successful athletes in the history of modern Olympism.
How has Mijaín López expressed his support for the Cuban regime?
Mijaín López has shown his loyalty to the Cuban regime through his commitment to revolutionary values and his public support for the communist government. He was awarded the title of Hero of the Republic of Cuba, a recognition that highlights his fidelity to the legacy of Fidel and Raúl Castro.
What do Mijaín López's parents think about his dedication to Cuba?
The parents of Mijaín López emphasize that their son's greatest merit is his loyalty to the Cuban regime. His mother, Leonor, considers him "more of a patriot than a champion," while his father, Bartolo, highlights his commitment to the revolution, stating that without it, his son would not have achieved his success.
What has Yasmani Acosta's relationship with Chile been like?
Yasmani Acosta, who emigrated from Cuba, has found a new home in Chile and has been recognized for his sports achievements with the 2024 National Sports Award. Acosta has expressed his gratitude towards Chile, stating that he has found a family there and a flag that he proudly defends.
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