What We Can Learn From Cuban Wrestlers
Start writing a post
Sports

What We Can Learn From Cuban Wrestlers

Even when the odds aren't in their favor, these guys risk it all.

1256
What We Can Learn From Cuban Wrestlers
Reuters.com

Last May, the U.S. Junior athletes competed at the American Championships in Havana, Cuba. Cary Kolat, two-time NCAA wrestling champion, flew to Cuba to help coach the U.S. Junior team. While he was there he noticed something that was strikingly odd when he walked into the weight room for the Cuban National Team. Kolat immediately took out his phone, snapped a picture and posted it on his Twitter account, along with the caption: "Here is a shot of the weight room at the national training center.

The weight room was a hole in a wall; the tiny room consisted of one 45 pound weight, a few rusty pull up bars, and other weight equipment that was falling apart.

Cuban training facilities do not compare to the extravagant training facilities that professional athletes have access to in most developed countries. However, Cuba consistently produce some of the best wrestlers in the world.

Mijain Lopez, two-time Olympic gold medalist, is one of out of many great Cuban wrestlers that the world has seen on the mat; every wrestler at the professional level know his name. He trains in the tiny weight room a long side many others.

Lopez resemble the Cuban wrestling style, physical and mental, all to well. His success comes from his ability to make something out of nothing via risk-taking, hard work, and preparation. When Lopez see an opportunity to score on the mat he is going to take it because he knows that he prepared via countless hours in the mat room. He does not worry about what is going to happen, the scoreboard, the tiny underfunded weight room he trains in everyday, or not being well liked if he loses.

What can we take from Cuban wrestlers? The ability to turn nothing into something. The ability to work with what you have in order to achieve maximum results. The ability to risk it all even when you know the odds are against you. The ability to capitalize on opportunities. The Cuban Wrestling Mindset.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71494
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133497
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments