The journey from his native Chocó to the Olympic podium is marked by mental resistance and courage. A story that is a living testimony of struggle, overcoming and hope.
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In the heart of Chocó, In a small town called Istmina, a young man was born whose destiny was marked by resilience and strength. Yeison López, the name that today resonates with pride throughout Colombiahas just won the silver medal in weightlifting (89 kilograms) at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
From his early years, he divided his time between school and work on banana plantations.
Life was not easy, but it was full of dreams and aspirations. However, The violence that plagued his homeland forced his family to abandon everything they knew and seek refuge in Cali. when Yeison was just 11 years old.
It was in an uncle’s house where the young man and his family came to live and his life began to change radically.
Champion who emerges from adversity
At the Jaime Aparicio Sports Unit (Pan American Fields), the birthplace of great weightlifters, Yeison quickly developed and stood out.
In 2016, at just 18 years old, He was crowned triple youth champion, an achievement that foreshadowed a bright future. But In 2019, a year that promised to be decisive, a sanction for Boldenone kept him out of the sport.
They were dark years, full of hopelessness and depression. Yeison always maintained his innocence, but the lack of resources for his defense complicated his situation.
During that time, his characteristic strength was tested like never before. He thought about giving up, even taking his own life. However, he found in his passion for sport a reason to keep going.
«Sport changed my lifea», says Yeison. «If it weren’t for him, I think I would have taken a bad path. I come from a place where criminal gangs are a reality, but thanks to sport, I am here, representing Colombia and my family.“, he said before winning the Olympic medal.
A hard journey for Yeison López
Returning to competition was not easy, but her determination was unwavering. In 2023, In Santiago de Chile, he won a silver medal, which he himself considers a mistake that cost him the gold.
But he didn’t stop. Today, with 180 kilograms in the snatch and 210 in the clean and jerk, López has climbed onto the Olympic podium, obtaining the tenth silver medal in the history of Colombia in this discipline.
His story goes beyond sporting achievements. Yeison is a symbol that strength is not only measured in terms of physical capacity.
#OlympicGames | With overflowing joy and tremendous pride, the family of Chocó native Yeison López, winner of the Silver medal in Weightlifting (89kg), in Paris 2024, celebrates in Cali pic.twitter.com/rXgmnjgbSR
— TUBARCO (@tubarconews) August 9, 2024
The journey from Chocó to the Olympic podium is marked by mental resilience and courage. His nickname, Goku, not only reflects his impressive physical strength, but also his ability to face and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Yeison López has shown that, regardless of the circumstances, it is possible to get ahead with determination and passion.n. His victory is an inspiration to all those facing adversityremembering that true strength lies in never giving up and fighting for your dreams, no matter how difficult the obstacles along the way.
Today, ‘Goku’ not only celebrates a silver medal, but also a life of achievements and improvement. His history It is a beacon of hope for Colombia and the entire world.
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