Cuban wrestlers Mijaín López and Yasmani Acosta, who now represents Chile, will face off this Wednesday for the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman wrestling title at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
López, the reigning champion from Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020, defeated Azerbaijan's Sabah Shariati, while Acosta secured his spot in the final by overcoming China's Lingzhe Meng in the semifinal round.
Known as the "Giant of Herradura," López started his journey with a commanding victory over South Korea's Lee Seung-chan (7-0) and then defeated one of the favorites, Iran's Amir Mirzazadeh, the reigning world champion from Belgrade 2023.
The Cuban titan has only two losses in the past 16 years (2011, 2015 to Turkey's Riza Kayalp), with his sole Olympic defeat occurring on August 24, 2004, in Athens, Greece, against Russia's Kashan Baroev. At 41 years old, López continues to dominate the sport, defying predictions from the esteemed American magazine Sports Illustrated, which had forecasted a bronze medal for him.
Acosta's path was somewhat more challenging, but he executed his strategy flawlessly in each bout. He initially triumphed 1-1 (by scoring the last point) against Bulgaria's Kiril Milenov and then eliminated one of the favorites, Egypt's Abdellatif Mohamed (2-1), a multiple-time world medalist.
López and Acosta were teammates in Cuba until Acosta chose not to return to the island, opting instead to build his successful career representing Chile.
Mijaín López vs. Yasmani Acosta: Key Questions and Answers
As the Olympic showdown between Mijaín López and Yasmani Acosta approaches, several questions arise about their journey and potential outcomes. Here, we address some of the most pressing inquiries.
How many Olympic gold medals has Mijaín López won?
Mijaín López has won four Olympic gold medals in Greco-Roman wrestling: in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020.
What has been Yasmani Acosta's journey since leaving Cuba?
Since leaving Cuba, Yasmani Acosta has successfully built his wrestling career representing Chile, securing significant victories and making a name for himself on the international stage.
Who are the notable opponents Mijaín López defeated on his way to the final?
Mijaín López defeated South Korea's Lee Seung-chan and Iran's Amir Mirzazadeh, the reigning world champion from Belgrade 2023, to reach the final.