Cuban Wrestler Wins 5th Olympic Gold and Retires

Cuban wrestler Mijain Lopez has solidified his legacy in the sport by winning his fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the Greco-Roman wrestling 130-kilogram division at the Paris Olympics. Lopez, who first claimed Olympic gold in 2008, has maintained an impressive winning streak over the past 16 years, showcasing his dominance in the sport. Lopez's Olympic journey began in 2004 in Athens, where he made his debut. He won gold in the 120-kilogram division in 2008 and successfully defended his title in 2012. After moving up in weight class, he continued his success by winning gold in Rio in 2016 and again in Tokyo in 2021. His latest victory in Paris further cements his status as one of the greatest wrestlers in history. In addition to his Olympic achievements, Lopez is a five-time world champion, with his first title won in 2005. Remarkably, he has continued to excel at the Olympic level despite not winning a world championship since 2014. His performance in Tokyo was particularly notable, as he became the first male wrestler to win four Olympic gold medals, finishing the tournament without conceding a point. Reflecting on his career, Lopez emphasized the importance of passion for the sport, stating, "To get to this point, the first thing you need is to love your sport, love what you do and show to the world that you are capable of winning with so little." His remarkable journey continues to inspire athletes around the globe.