After competing in the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman wrestling final at the Olympics in Paris, Cuban wrestler Mijain López Núñez announced his retirement, leaving him as both a rival’s idol and a wrestling legend.
Yasmani Acosta Fernández of Chile was defeated 6-0 by 41-year-old López Núñez. López Núñez became the first Olympic athlete to win gold in any sport at five consecutive games and the first wrestler to win five gold medals with the victory, which also gave him his fifth gold medal in a row.
Being the last fighter to face López Núñez, according to Acosta Fernández, was an honor. He referred to López Núñez as “a legend in the sport.”
Following the match, López Núñez removed his laces and positioned them in the middle of the mat, signifying his departure from the sport of wrestling.
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According to López Núñez, it was a difficult time for him. He said that, “I turned in what we call ‘our weaponry.'” “One is leaving behind a journey where they have carried out that work from a young age when they turn in their wrestling shoes.”
Following his years in the sport, López Núñez expressed his belief that he has left a lasting legacy for the younger generation of Cubans.
In fact, the Cuban wrestler who came to Chile, Acosta Fernández, is his rival and finds inspiration in him. “I really am a fan,” he declared. Acosta Fernandez added that López Núñez had advised him just moments before the altercation. The first wrestler from Chile to earn a medal is Acosta Fernandez.
