Spencer Lee's chances of becoming an Olympic wrestling champion improved on Monday when reigning world champion Stevan Micic announced that he has withdrawn from the 57-kilogram weight class after sustaining a knee injury that will require reconstructive surgery.
"After much thought and prayer, it’s very sad for me to say that I am unable to compete in the Paris Olympic Games," Micic wrote in an Instagram post. "A few weeks ago, I suffered a knee injury during practice. As training for competition intensified, the injury worsened, which severely limited my ability to prepare at the highest level necessary to compete and achieve the results that I know I’m capable of. The doctors told me that if I want to continue wrestling, I must get reconstructive surgery. I do not have any other option than to bypass competing in the Paris Olympics, regroup, get an operation, and begin the recovery process."
Micic, a native of Indiana who competed at the University of Michigan, became Serbia’s first freestyle world champion last year in Belgrade, Serbia, and entered the Olympics as the No. 1 seed and favorite to win at 57 kilograms.
"These circumstances have broken me down completely," Micic continued. "Competing in and winning the Olympics has been my dream since I was 8. Before the injury, I was more confident than ever and on course to perform at the highest level and achieve my ultimate goal. I have been in prayer for many weeks now over this matter. I believe God has great plans for me going forward, and I need to take the proper steps with recovery. Thank you to [the] wrestling federation of Serbia and all who have supported my journey this far; I love wrestling, and I love representing the country of Serbia. I can’t wait to recover and see what’s next."
Lee, a Franklin Regional and Iowa graduate, is making his first appearance in the Olympics. He is unseeded in the 16-man weight class. Competition at 57 kilograms begins Thursday and concludes Friday. Pairings will be announced Wednesday.
Micic's departure from the weight class has trickle-down effects on the rest of the bracket. United World Wrestling is working down its list of alternates to fill Micic’s spot in the field and adjust the seeds.
First Published: August 5, 2024, 4:33 p.m.
