Mijaín López: "I'm crazy about getting on the mat"

August 6, 2019

The flag bearer of the Cuban delegation to these Pan American Games Mijaín López is eager to compete in his division of 130 kg in Greco-Roman wrestling and finish conquering his fifth crown in these events, all in different editions, an unprecedented result on the continent.

During a visit we made to the National School of the Marina del Callao, where the wrestlers of both styles are staying, we perceived that the spirit is one of victory and it cannot be different, when you have a leader like the three-time Olympic champion.

Conversations with Mijaín are always pleasant. A simple Cuban, one of those who doesn't let fame go to his head, because of having so many medals in every tournament that exists.

When he found out that the press was waiting for the gladiators, he was the first to come out and greeted us with this phrase laughing I'm crazy to compete, I can't stand my urge to eat!

It is that weight is the main rival of the "Herradura Giant," although he has put up a fight, he has not been able to defeat it either. "Everything is going well so far, the diet has been balanced. It has been a story for me to lose weight, I feel good, three days before weigh-in I only have to lose one kilo and this is due to the good preparation we did."

Mijaín López knows that he is a paradigm for Cubans, it is no wonder that he is the man in charge of carrying our flag of the solitary star. "It is something very big. The confidence, the pride that I represent them. Being able to encourage the athletes and that they see me as an example, is an incredible thing."

Just hours before stepping onto the mat at the Miguel Grau Coliseum in Callao, Mijaín revealed what his routine is before competition. "It is a bit strange. A lot of impatience, I am eager to compete. I have been on a strict diet for several days. What I prefer to do now is rest, talk with the guys about the rivals. The fundamental thing is the training and afterwards being relaxed."