Mijain Lopez: Olympic Legend

He was on the precipice of Olympic history. Not just wrestling history, but the entire Olympic Games. Cuban Greco-Roman heavyweight Mijain Lopez was seconds away from competing for his fifth gold medal match at the 2024 Olympics and he looked as unphased as ever. 

Should he win, Lopez would elevate himself to an elite class of Olympic athletes that just includes…well, himself. Lopez had the opportunity to become the first Olympic athlete to win gold medals in the same discipline at five different Games. With four gold medals, Lopez was in a deadlock with American Olympic legends like Carl Lewis, Michael Phelps, and Katie Ledecky. Circling back to the wrestling world, a gold medal would make him the oldest wrestler (41 years old) to accomplish the feat. By winning in the semifinals, Lopez had already become only the second Olympic wrestler with five medals. 

With that type of history on the line, Lopez still looked like he exerted more energy worrying about a choice for a post-match meal rather than stressing over his remarkable feat. 

In a twist that seemed like it was straight out of Hollywood, standing between Lopez and his fifth gold medal was close friend and former training partner Yasmani Acosta Fernandez. The Cuban-born Acosta Fernandez had previously competed for Cuba; however, he defected to Chile in order to get a shot at events like the World Championships or the Olympics. Could his former understudy spoil his crowning achievement? Again, you couldn’t tell if Lopez cared. 

The actual gold medal match started like so many of Lopez’s bouts. He moved methodically like a lion or tiger waiting to pounce - occasionally, using his paws to fend off a lesser threat. 

With Lopez controlling the center of the mat, the official deemed Acosta Fernandez was passive and gave Lopez a point and put the Chilean wrestler down for par terre. As 2012 Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs stated on the broadcast, everyone in the arena was aware that Lopez would lock up a gut wrench, bury his head on the left side, and then take his opponent in that direction. Almost simultaneously, Lopez did just that and extended his lead to 3-0. 

Even with a commanding lead and a position where he could potentially add to it, Lopez was unphased. He didn’t try to add to the lead. Lopez likely knew that his former training partner wouldn’t be able to put up three points to threaten him. 

The second period mirrored the first as Acosta Fernandez was called for passivity for a second time. Lopez never seemed concerned about trying for a second turn, content with his 4-0 lead. 

Later in the bout, a desperate Acosta Fernandez stumbled while trying for something, anything. That led to Lopez semi-reluctantly covering him for another takedown and a 6-0 lead. 

6-0 was more than enough and it was the final score for Lopez’s monumental moment. 

The crowd rose to their feet and saluted Lopez who raised his entire hand symbolizing the number of gold medals soon to be in his possession. 

If a long ovation from the Olympic wrestling fans wasn’t enough, Lopez continued to capture the attention of the crowd. Without speaking, Lopez answered a question he was likely to get dozens of times this evening and in the coming days. He removed his wrestling shoes, gave them a quick kiss, and left them in the center of the mat signifying his retirement. There will be no gold medal number six. 

Lopez has always been different. Maybe that’s what separates him from the rest of the greats. After winning his 2020 Olympic gold medal, as a 38-year-old, Lopez didn’t step on the mat for an actual competition until Monday. Maybe he walks away and Tuesday marks the end of a remarkable, unique career. Maybe he does what he did about a year ago and decides he’s back for one more gold medal run. 

Whatever happens, Lopez’s legacy has been cemented and extends way beyond the wrestling mat.  He is one of the greatest Olympians ever to compete at the Games. Maybe the greatest.