Chilean President Gabriel Boric has sent a message to Greco-Roman wrestler Yasmani Acosta, who is set to compete for the gold medal on Tuesday representing Chile in a historic match against his compatriot Mijaín López. "Outstanding Yasmani Acosta in Greco-Roman wrestling. All of Chile will be cheering for you in the final tomorrow!" the president told the Cuban-born athlete, who will face the four-time Olympic champion from the island, a true legend in this sport.
At 36 years old, Acosta will be up against an experienced athlete and reigning champion in the 130 kg category. According to Mijaín, in this sport, experience outweighs youth.
The Path to the Finals
The "Giant of Herradura" began his journey in Paris with a victory over South Korean Lee Seung-chan (7-0). He then defeated one of the favorites, Iranian Amir Mirzazadeh (3-1), the 2023 World Champion from Belgrade.
Crowned in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020, Mijaín defeated Azerbaijani Sabah Shariati (4-1), while Acosta mirrored this by defeating Chinese Lingzhe Meng (1-1) in the semifinal round.
The Cuban athlete has only two losses in the past 16 years (2011 and 2015 against Turkish Riza Kayalp), and his only defeat in these competitions occurred on August 24, 2004, in Athens, Greece, when he lost to Russian Kashan Baroev. At 41 years old, the dominance of the Cuban athlete remains overwhelming, defying the prediction of the prestigious American magazine Sports Illustrated, which forecasted a bronze medal for him.
Acosta's journey was somewhat more complicated, although he perfectly executed his strategy in each match. In his debut, he won 1-1 (by scoring the last point) against Bulgarian Kiril Milenov, and then eliminated one of the favorites, Egyptian Abdellatif Mohamed (2-1), a multiple-time medalist in world competitions.
López and Acosta were teammates on the Cuban national team until the latter chose not to return to the island, building a successful career representing Chile.
Key Questions About Yasmani Acosta and His Upcoming Match
Here are some important questions and answers regarding Yasmani Acosta's upcoming match and his career.
Who is Yasmani Acosta?
Yasmani Acosta is a Cuban-born Greco-Roman wrestler now representing Chile. He is set to compete for the gold medal in a historic match against Mijaín López.
What is the significance of Acosta's match against Mijaín López?
This match is historic because it pits Yasmani Acosta against his former compatriot, Mijaín López, a four-time Olympic champion and a legend in Greco-Roman wrestling.
How did Yasmani Acosta reach the finals?
Acosta's journey to the finals included victories over South Korean Lee Seung-chan, Iranian Amir Mirzazadeh, and Chinese Lingzhe Meng.
What are Mijaín López's major achievements?
Mijaín López is a four-time Olympic champion, having won gold medals in Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020.