BTN News: Colombia celebrated an unforgettable day on Friday, August 9th, as two of its own, Mari Leivis and Yeison López, achieved Olympic glory by securing silver medals in weightlifting at the 2024 Olympic Games. Their remarkable performances have not only etched their names in the annals of sports history but have also captured the hearts of fans worldwide. What made their victories even more special was the unexpected source of their inspiration—anime. Specifically, the globally beloved series Dragon Ball Z and One Piece fueled their determination and focus, playing a pivotal role in their journey to the podium.
Yeison López, affectionately nicknamed “Gokú” by friends and family, demonstrated extraordinary strength in his Olympic debut. The Chocó-born weightlifter managed to lift 180 kg in the snatch and 210 kg in the clean and jerk, accumulating an impressive total of 390 kg. His nickname, drawn from the iconic character Goku from Dragon Ball Z, is more than just a moniker. It embodies his relentless spirit, tenacity, and his personal philosophy of always striving to surpass his limits—a trait he shares with the Saiyan warrior. López often references his admiration for Goku, noting that the character’s indomitable will to compete and improve mirrors his own drive to succeed. In a recent social media post, he playfully acknowledged this connection, sharing a photo of himself sitting in the same meditative pose often struck by Goku.
On the other hand, Mari Leivis captivated audiences not just with her powerful lifts but also with a subtle nod to her favorite anime, One Piece. During her Olympic performance, she sported a pair of socks adorned with the image of Monkey D. Luffy, the main character of the series. Leivis, who successfully lifted 112 kg in the snatch and 145 kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 257 kg, spoke passionately about how Luffy’s unwavering pursuit of his dream to become the Pirate King inspired her. “I’ve learned something from him, and that is to fight for that goal, that dream,” she shared with the media after her victory. “He, for example, wants to be the king of all pirates… Today, I am the queen of weightlifting, despite all odds. Many didn’t believe in me, but God gave me the victory.”
In the post-competition interviews, Leivis proudly lifted her leg to showcase her Luffy-themed socks, her face beaming with a smile that reflected both her joy and her deep connection to the anime that kept her motivated through the challenges of her Olympic journey.
The success of Yeison López and Mari Leivis is a testament to the profound impact of personal inspirations, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Their achievements underscore the power of passion and perseverance, qualities they’ve drawn not just from their rigorous training but also from the fictional heroes who’ve accompanied them along the way. For these two athletes, the influence of Dragon Ball Z and One Piece transcends entertainment, embodying life lessons that have helped them achieve their Olympic dreams. As Colombia celebrates their victories, the stories of Goku and Luffy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of athletes who dare to dream big.
