Mijaín López is panamerican greco-roman wrestling champion for the fifth time

August 9, 2019

Mijaín writes in golden letters the history of his last participation in a Pan American Games and with his performance the history of Cuban sports has also grown.

During the Central American and Caribbean Championships in Barranquilla 2018, I barely saw Mijaín López compete. He set a record for the least amount of time on the mat. I remember that 24 seconds was his longest bout. He even settled the gold decision in 17 seconds.

Taking that record into account, one would have to ask those who witnessed this Thursday how he competed for first place against Venezuelan Moisés Pérez, in the 130 kg division, whether they left satisfied, or if the Pinarenian granted them a meager amount of time to enjoy his Greco-Roman wrestling.

At least for this writer, once again, he has left me wanting to continue watching him in action.

From the Dominican Republic Pan American Games 2003 to today, the ambassador of these Games and flag bearer of the Cuban delegation has swept at the editions in Rio de Janeiro 2007, Guadalajara 2011, Toronto 2015 and here. Five opportunities in which his opponents were left astounded.

If someone thought that this unparalleled career over several Olympic cycles was lacking some special ingredient, then let us remember that to his five world titles Mijaín adds the golden glories of Rio de Janeiro 2016, London 2012 and Beijing 2008, successes that have not made him vary one bit that good-natured and peaceful character that characterizes him outside of competitive settings.

Imposing when he steps into the ring. Unstoppable. Mijaín came to write the history of his last participation in a Pan American Games. With his performance Cuban sports history continues to grow.