Mijaín López Takes Charge as Head Coach of China's National Greco-Roman Wrestling Team

April 10, 2026

Cuban five-time Olympic champion Mijaín López Núñez has officially assumed the role of head coach of China's national Greco-Roman wrestling team, alongside his longtime coach Raúl Díaz, both serving as ambassadors of United World Wrestling (UWW). The news was confirmed on April 9, 2026, by Cuba's state news agency ACN.

At 42 years old, López returns to Beijing — the city where his legendary Olympic reign began in 2008 — not as an athlete, but as a mentor. Their mission is to develop the potential of Chinese wrestlers ahead of upcoming international competitions. "It's a dream. I want to pass on all my knowledge of this sport to the Chinese team," Díaz told Cubadebate. López himself expressed confidence in his new team: "These young athletes have the potential to dominate the world stage."

Díaz and López share a sporting partnership dating back to 1999, one that produced five consecutive Olympic gold medals for the Cuban champion. In November 2025, both received the IOC Coaching Award, honoring a legacy they are now looking to extend on Chinese wrestling mats. As ACN noted, López's return to Beijing is not simply the closing of a cycle — it is the beginning of a new chapter in his sporting life.