2023 World Champion Micic Withdrawls from Olympics Due to Injury

A few hours before the first day of wrestling competition at the 2024 Olympic Games, one of the favorites at 57 kg in men’s freestyle announced he would have to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury. 2023 world champion, Stevan Micic of Serbia, made a post on his Instagram account that stated that he “suffered a knee injury a few weeks ago in practice.” He later states that he will need knee surgery. 

Last year, Micic earned his second Senior World medal by running through a gauntlet of credentialed opponents to claim the gold. In three consecutive matches, Micic defeated an Olympic champion, an Olympic silver medalist and a world champion to reign over the 57 kg weight class. 

Micic is best known to American fans as a star for the Michigan Wolverines. A 2018 Big Ten champion, Micic earned All-American honors three times including an appearance in the 2018 NCAA finals. During his final year of competition, Micic moved up to 141 lbs and started on a Wolverine squad that captured its first Big Ten team championship since 1973. 

At this time, United World Wrestling has not publicly acknowledged Micic’s statement. It’s unclear whether he will be replaced in the bracket or not. Micic was in line to receive the top seed at 57 kg. Logistically, it may be difficult to get a replacement to Paris since his weight class is set to wrestle on Thursday morning.