BTN News: In a truly inspirational display of grit and determination, Colombian weightlifter Yeison López secured a silver medal in the weightlifting category at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This remarkable achievement not only marks a significant milestone in López’s career but also symbolizes the beginning of a new dream for the athlete, who now envisions owning his own home—a dream that once seemed out of reach. Born in the conflict-ridden region of Chocó, López’s journey has been anything but easy. Yet, through sheer perseverance and the relentless pursuit of his goals, he has risen from a life of hardship to stand on the world stage, celebrating his victory with the iconic celebration style of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The weightlifting competition in Paris saw López lift a total of 390 kilograms, combining 180 kilograms in the snatch and an impressive 210 kilograms in the clean and jerk, securing his place as the second-best in the 89-kilogram category. His silver medal adds to Colombia’s Olympic tally, following the silver earned by Ángel Barajas in the horizontal bar event. The gold in this category was claimed by Bulgarian weightlifter Karlos Nasar, who set a new world record by lifting a staggering 404 kilograms.
After the competition, López could hardly contain his emotions. Tears flowed freely as he spoke with Colombian journalists and his parents, who, from afar, shared in the joy of his accomplishment. His celebration, mirroring the signature move of Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, was a tribute to the athlete who has long inspired López. “I’m a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo; he’s an amazing athlete who inspires me,” López shared when asked about his choice of celebration.
Yeison López’s story is one of incredible resilience. Fondly nicknamed ‘Gokú,’ after the protagonist of the popular manga and anime series Dragon Ball, López’s early life was marred by the violence that forced his family to flee their home in Chocó. Relocating to Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca, his family struggled to make ends meet, with López selling candies on the streets to help support them. Despite these challenges, López discovered weightlifting and began to forge a path that would eventually lead him to the Olympics.
However, his journey to Paris was not without its setbacks. López faced a severe test of his resolve when he was suspended from competition for several years due to a doping allegation. With limited resources, he was unable to appeal the sanction, leaving him on the brink of despair. But instead of giving up, López chose to keep pushing forward, believing that better days lay ahead for him and his family.
With the silver medal now in hand, López is filled with optimism about the future. He expressed his hope that upon returning to Colombia, he will receive the support necessary to achieve his dream of owning a home. “I hope to get back to Colombia and find the support I need. I know that Colombia is a country that supports its athletes, and I believe they will help me realize this dream of having my own house,” he said, holding back tears of joy.
Yeison López’s story is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. From a young boy displaced by violence to an Olympic medalist, his journey serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring athletes but to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. With his unwavering faith and the support of his homeland, López is poised to continue pursuing his dreams, both on and off the weightlifting platform.
