Cuban Olympian Mijaín López Honors Fidel Castro in State-Orchestrated Tribute
Cuban Olympic wrestling legend Mijaín López, a five-time gold medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, recently participated in a state-organized event paying homage to the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. The event, which took place in López’s neighborhood, was attended by local leaders, neighbors, family members, and friends, and was heavily promoted by the regime’s authorities.
Cuban Television News (NTV) was on-site to document the tribute, which coincided with the anniversary of Castro’s birth on August 13, a date considered significant in Cuban revolutionary history. The state-run news outlet portrayed the event as a continuation of the Cuban people’s reverence for their Olympic athletes and their contributions to the nation.
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In a speech at the event, López emphasized the importance of maintaining the revolutionary spirit and ideals in Cuba.
“We have to continue showing the world that we have continuity, continue showing the world that we need to rectify, study, sacrifice ourselves, and do great things for the future, for the young people who follow us,” López stated.
The decorated wrestler, who was gifted a Mercedes Benz by the government in 2020, has often been showcased in Cuban state media as a symbol of national pride.
López’s image has been frequently leveraged by the Cuban government in its propaganda efforts, highlighting his physical prowess as a representation of the regime’s strength. This connection has drawn criticism, as the regime has a history of suppressing dissent and stifling freedoms.
Despite the controversy, López remains a prominent figure in state media, where he is celebrated for his achievements and loyalty to the regime.
During the event, López appeared wearing a shirt bearing Fidel Castro’s signature, further reinforcing his alignment with the government’s messaging. He spoke about the importance of family in his success and expressed pride in representing Cuba on the world stage.
“I believe that there is no great athlete in life who is capable of having so many chapters in history without a family. Family gives you the essence, it gives you wisdom. I think it is something historic to have achieved five gold medals and to be Cuban, representing the people of Cuba, a country so small yet big at heart… I feel honored by my people,” López said.
He was joined by Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, the Secretary General of the Central Workers’ Union of Cuba, and other high-ranking officials.
López, who is also a deputy in the National Assembly of People’s Power, took the opportunity during the tribute to voice his support for the current Cuban government and its leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel.
“We are two or three minutes away from a birthday that is very special, that of our undefeated commander Fidel Castro Ruz. I believe that with our presence here, we are reaffirming all the continuity that he left here in this homeland. And we are happy to be here and represent our people, today, tomorrow, and forever,” López declared at a subsequent event on the Malecón, a famous Havana waterfront, where more celebrations were held in Castro’s honor.
López’s loyalty to the regime was further demonstrated during the most recent Olympic Games when Díaz-Canel called the wrestler on the eve of his gold medal match. López, expressing gratitude for the call, promised to secure the title for Cuba, a promise he fulfilled the next day. Following López’s victory, Díaz-Canel praised him on social media, stating:
“I don’t exaggerate when I say that #MijaínIsCuba: the people of African and European roots who do not give up, who do not sell out, who believe in themselves and in their lineage. The most important thing about the Olympics, without Cuban chauvinism. It is a unique feat. What admiration! How happy I am!”
The event underscores the Cuban government’s continued use of sports figures like Mijaín López to reinforce its political narrative and maintain its image of continuity in the post-Castro era. As López remains in the public eye, his dual roles as an athlete and political figure continue to spark debate both within and outside of Cuba.
