Is the 41-Year-Old 4x Olympic Champion Making an Appearance to Trouble US Wrestlers in Paris?

For most athletes, winning one Olympic gold is something beyond their wildest dreams, unless you’re Michael Phelps. And now, while the swimmer continues to be the most decorated Olympian of all time, one of his biggest fans is looking to write his own thrilling story as he eyes one last crack at Olympic glory. Cuba’s Mijain Lopez is an iconic name when it comes to wrestling and the athlete is once again determined to make the most of the final stretch of his career.

The fifth athlete ever to win four gold medals in the same Olympic event, Lopez has long been hinting at making a return to the mat. With fans speculating ardently about seeing him back in action, the Paris Olympics is looking like the perfect stage for him to bid his emphatic adieu.

Olympic icon looking for one last ride

In a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter) by the official United World Wrestling account, Mijain’s goals have been shared with the world. “Will 4x Olympic (gold medal emoji) and wrestling legend Mijain LOPEZ wrestle at @Paris2024?“, reads the caption of the post. A short video clip accompanies the post which contains the wrestler’s own words on what he believes will transpire at the upcoming event in Paris. 

Mijain can be seen talking to an interviewer in an informal meeting and sharing details of his training ahead of the Games. “Will you compete at the next Olympic Games?“, asks the host and Lopez doesn’t beat around the bush to make his intentions clear. “Yes…I am currently training to face the Olympic Games.“, confessed the five-time World Championships gold winner without deliberation. However, he also mentions that this will be his last ever Olympics, and he’s understandably focused on going out with the biggest bang possible.

Lopez further said that his quest for a fifth gold is shaping up nicely as his training is going well under the conditions. “I think it is going to be something historic“, claimed the wrestler about his dreams of setting a benchmark for his peers. For Mijain, his win won’t just be an individual breakthrough either.

Lopez’s big dreams for the Paris Olympics

“…the fight is a large experiment on a universal level“, emphasized Lopez about what is acting as his main motivation to keep pushing even at the age of 41. “I do not expect a classic result of my isolation“, the Cuban legend didn’t try to put a veil on the tough challenge ahead but yet sought to underscore his positive mentality on the matter. “I believe that yes, the result can be achieved“, Lopez claimed. He further stated that conquering this one last hurdle would make him proud.

Read more: Pan Am Olympic Qualifiers: USA’s No.1 Ranked Woman Wrestler Makes Major Progress Towards Olympic Debut

The interviewer also reminded Lopez of his celebratory dance after his monumental win at Rio in 2016, and Mijain couldn’t help but laugh. “The office itself requests it“, noted a candid Lopez. While the Olympian looks to be in a good mood, fans hope to see his positivity reflect on the mat in July.