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Cuban Mijain Lopez’ Gold Medal Confirms his World Leadership
Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler Mijain Lopez confirmed his position as world leader when he beat Russian Khasan Baroev thus giving Cuba its first gold medal at the Olympics.
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AIN
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Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler Mijain Lopez confirmed his position as world leader when he beat Russian Khasan Baroev thus giving Cuba its first gold medal at the Olympics.
Lopez, Baku 2007 world champion, was superior in the two rounds, both won with identical scores 4-0. The draw had favored Lopez twice and since actions concluded without his opponent scoring, Mijain won the match.
The new Olympic champion, 25, who is also Pan Am Games champ, had straight victories against Byelorussia’s Siarhei Artsiukhin, and Swedish Jalmar Sjoberg.
After the fight Mijain gave statements to the press when he said its was a privilege for him to become first Cuba’s and Latin America’s gold medalist in Beijing.
“To Fidel, to whom I couldn’t give it yesterday in his birthday,”
dedicated his triumph Lopez after listening to Cuba’s National Anthem.
“And to Raul, from whom I received the delegation’s flag,” he added.
Lopez also dedicated his victory to his family, to his trainers and to the Cuban people. “I never felt tired, I felt very well,” explained Mijain and expressed his wish to celebrate his birthday, next 20th surrounded by his family and friends.
In the Greco-Roman tournament, Russia’s squad led with three gold medals and one a piece for Cuba, Italy, France and Georgia.
Lopez, Baku 2007 world champion, was superior in the two rounds, both won with identical scores 4-0. The draw had favored Lopez twice and since actions concluded without his opponent scoring, Mijain won the match.
The new Olympic champion, 25, who is also Pan Am Games champ, had straight victories against Byelorussia’s Siarhei Artsiukhin, and Swedish Jalmar Sjoberg.
After the fight Mijain gave statements to the press when he said its was a privilege for him to become first Cuba’s and Latin America’s gold medalist in Beijing.
“To Fidel, to whom I couldn’t give it yesterday in his birthday,”
dedicated his triumph Lopez after listening to Cuba’s National Anthem.
“And to Raul, from whom I received the delegation’s flag,” he added.
Lopez also dedicated his victory to his family, to his trainers and to the Cuban people. “I never felt tired, I felt very well,” explained Mijain and expressed his wish to celebrate his birthday, next 20th surrounded by his family and friends.
In the Greco-Roman tournament, Russia’s squad led with three gold medals and one a piece for Cuba, Italy, France and Georgia.