Photos have surfaced showing five-time Olympic gold medalist Mijain Lopez in current training form, appearing to weigh approximately 150 kilograms. With two years until the 2028 Olympics, Lopez would be 46 years old if he competes. The post suggests he could potentially become a six-time Olympic champion if he decides to return to competition. The main obstacle identified is not opponents but the weight cut to the 130-kilogram division, as Lopez has consistently maintained around 150 kilograms for the past 15 years. The images suggest the legendary Greco-Roman wrestler may be considering another Olympic run.
Photos have emerged showing five-time Olympic gold medalist Mijain Lopez training in what appears to be current competitive form, fueling speculation that the Cuban Greco-Roman legend may not yet be finished with the sport.
Lopez, who secured his fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games, is seen in the images carrying approximately 150 kilograms — consistent with the body weight he has maintained throughout his career over the past 15 years. The photos have prompted widespread discussion about whether the Cuban heavyweight is eyeing a return to competition ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Should Lopez compete at those Games, he would do so at 46 years of age, chasing a sixth Olympic gold medal in the 130-kilogram Greco-Roman division — a feat that would be unprecedented in Olympic wrestling history.
Why it matters
- A sixth Olympic gold would cement Lopez as arguably the greatest wrestler in Olympic history across any discipline.
- The primary obstacle cited is not the level of competition but the weight cut itself, as Lopez has consistently sat around 150 kilograms while the division maximum is 130 kilograms.
- The two-year runway to Los Angeles 2028 gives Lopez time to address the weight question, but it represents a significant physiological challenge at his age.
The images stop well short of any official announcement or confirmation from Lopez or the Cuban wrestling federation, and no formal statement regarding a comeback has been made. For now, the photos serve as the only evidence that the legendary wrestler remains active and physically engaged with the sport that made him one of the defining athletes of his generation.
