Paris 2024: Mijaín López eyes historic 5th gold in final Olympic run
López is set to face Chile’s Yasmani Acosta Fernandez in the final on Tuesday at Champ-de-Mars Arena.
Mijain Lopez / Wikimedia Commons: Tim Hipps
Lester Kiewit interviews Bennie Labuschagne, Wrestling Coach.
Listen below.
Paris 2024 will mark the final chapter for the legendary Cuban wrestler, Mijaín López.
At 41-years-old, he will retire from competitive sport after vying for an unprecedented fifth Olympic gold medal, which would cement his status as the most decorated athlete in Olympic history.
Labuschagne attributes López's success to his exceptional technique, mental strength, and consistent physical fitness.
"He's a gentle giant."
- Bennie Labuschagne, Wrestling Coach
López is set to face Chile’s Yasmani Acosta Fernandez in the final on Tuesday at Champ-de-Mars Arena.
“I’ll be retiring; it’s time,” López said, adding that “We need to make some space for those who are coming (into the sport). Wrestling for me has been the love of my life, for all of my life."
"For 15 years, he hasn't lost one single match."
- Bennie Labuschagne, Wrestling Coach
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.