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In an extraordinary conclusion to a legendary career, Cuban-born heavyweight wrestler Mijain Lopez captured his fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This historic victory solidifies Lopez's place in the annals of sports history as the first person to achieve such a feat in Olympic wrestling, making him one of the most decorated athletes ever.
The 41-year-old Lopez triumphed in the 130kg weight class, defeating Yasmani Acosta Fernandez, a fellow Cuban-born wrestler now representing Chile. Fernandez, who left Cuba to pursue his Olympic dreams due to Lopez's dominance, could not overcome the wrestling titan, losing 6-0 in a decisive shutout.
Lopez's victory not only marks him as the first athlete to win the same event five times in any sport but also ties him with Germany’s Wilfried Dietrich for the most Olympic wrestling medals ever won, with five in total. Additionally, Lopez becomes the oldest Olympic wrestling medalist at 41, just weeks shy of his 42nd birthday.
His illustrious career is further decorated with five World Championship titles and three silver medals at the World Championships, underscoring his dominance and consistency over nearly two decades in the sport.
In a poignant moment following his victory, Lopez performed the traditional wrestler’s retirement ritual, removing his shoes and leaving them in the center of the mat. This gesture signifies the end of his competitive journey, leaving a legacy that will inspire wrestlers for generations to come.
With his unmatched achievements and unwavering dedication, Mijain Lopez retires as a true icon of wrestling, his record-setting five Olympic gold medals a testament to his extraordinary skill and perseverance
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