Residents from various municipalities of Pinar del Río gathered to welcome Mijaín López upon his return to Cuba after being crowned the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler in history at the Paris Olympics.
The Cuban authorities summoned friends, neighbors, athletes, and the general populace to greet López, whom the regime's propaganda has turned into a symbol of the so-called revolutionary sport. The five-time Olympic champion toured the territories of Artemisa, Los Palacios, Consolación del Sur, and Pinar del Río. Mijaín, a recognized admirer of Fidel Castro, did not miss the opportunity to praise the dictator on the occasion of his birthday.
"A special day, the day of our undefeated Commander in Chief, who triumphed and will continue to triumph, and victory will keep being born, and as they said, our generations will continue to achieve things," he expressed in Pinar.
To his admirers in his hometown of Herradura, he assured them that he would never abandon them. "I will always be here," he emphasized.
Hours earlier, López paid tribute to the dictator's memory in an event organized by regime authorities in his neighborhood, attending with a T-shirt bearing Fidel Castro's signature.
"We must continue to show the world that we have continuity, that we need to rectify, study, sacrifice, and achieve great things for the future, for the young people who follow us," declared the wrestler, who was gifted a Mercedes Benz by the government in 2020.
"There is no great athlete in life capable of having so many chapters in history without a family. The family gives you essence and wisdom. I think it is historic to have won five gold medals and be Cuban, representing the people of Cuba, such a small country but big in heart… I feel honored by my people," he said, alongside the secretary-general of the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba, Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, and the highest authorities of Havana.
Mijaín, one of the most active athletes in proclaiming his support for the regime, even physically assaulted an activist who protested against the regime in a stadium in Chile during the last Pan American Games.
Mijaín López and His Relationship with the Cuban Regime
The following questions and answers provide insights into Mijaín López's relationship with the Cuban regime and his recent activities.
Why is Mijaín López considered a symbol of revolutionary sport in Cuba?
Mijaín López is considered a symbol of revolutionary sport in Cuba due to his extraordinary achievements in Greco-Roman wrestling and his vocal support for the Cuban regime and its leaders.
What did Mijaín López say about Fidel Castro on his birthday?
On Fidel Castro's birthday, Mijaín López praised Castro, calling him an undefeated leader who has and will continue to triumph, stating that future generations will continue to achieve great things.
What vehicle was gifted to Mijaín López by the Cuban government in 2020?
In 2020, the Cuban government gifted Mijaín López a Mercedes Benz in recognition of his sporting achievements and support for the regime.
How did Mijaín López react to an activist protesting against the Cuban regime?
Mijaín López physically assaulted an activist who protested against the Cuban regime during the Pan American Games in Chile.