Beyond the personal pride, López’s triumph in Paris is something he relishes for its wider implications.
“I’m just proud to have achieved my final goal, winning that fifth gold medal,” he said. “It’s a historic record for wrestling, for sport in general, and for Cuba.”
He’s still finding his footing in his post-sporting life, all while staying closely connected to his roots.
“Every now and then, I still go to the mat, train with the young guys, help them prepare. Right now, I’m heading to Bulgaria, where the Cuban national team is training. I’ll join them, train for a day or two, and that helps me stay connected,” says López. “Of course, I miss it sometimes, but after a while on the mat, my whole body aches. It’s been many years.”
It hasn’t been easy, but López has found closure in stepping away from what was ultimately not just a career, but a way of life.
“I achieved my goal. I finished where I wanted. I got everything I dreamed of, but, at some point, I couldn’t [do it] anymore,” he said. “My body told me: ‘It’s time to stop. You’ve done it all. You’ve been recognised. Now it’s time to start a new chapter.’ And that’s why I feel at peace.”