En este momento estás viendo Mijaín López: from Olympic hero to teacher
Photo: Jit

Mijaín López: from Olympic hero to teacher

The five-time Olympic champion plans to pass on his vast knowledge to future generations.

Five-time Olympic champion Mijaín López, with his sights set on the future, has decided to dedicate himself to his studies so that, in the not too distant future, he can pass on his vast knowledge to future generations.

«Now it’s time to study and then teach,» López replied to a question from one of those present at the celebration, which coincided with the 98th anniversary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.

This he said on Tuesday during an emotional reception by his neighbours from the Committee for the Defence of the Revolution CDR No 8 in the capital’s Playa municipality, an event attended by members of the Party’s Central Committee Liván Izquierdo Alonso, its First Secretary in Havana, and Yanet Hernández Pérez, Governor of the capital.

«Fidel taught us to fight for this Revolution, and as long as we have the strength, we will follow his legacy,» said López in a conversation with JIT, accompanied by his mother, Leonor «Mamita» Núñez, and his brothers Michel, an Olympic bronze medallist in boxing, and Misael, a former kayaker.

On the reception the day before for the last part of the Cuban delegation in the capital’s Piragua, the Giant of Herradura described it as «spectacular, rich, full of Cuban love».

Of the Paris Games, he stressed: «They are unforgettable. This fifth medal belongs to Cuba and also to Latin America, because several of the peoples of the continent are represented there».

Before cutting a cake in honour of the event, the idol spoke for almost half an hour to the neighbours, guests and workers from nearby organisations who came to pay tribute to the man who has become a national hero.

To the rhythm of drums and recorded music, an emotional few hours were spent with a cederista broth and many photos to immortalise the moment.

The only athlete in history to win five consecutive Olympic gold medals in an individual event thanked his neighbours and those present for the warm welcome, as well as officials such as member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba, Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, and the director of sports in the capital, Ariel Darias, among others.

Before midday, the Greco-Roman gladiator, considered one of the best wrestlers of all time, left with his family for his beloved town of Herradura, in the province of Pinar del Río, where the party will surely continue.

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