Reigning World champion Stevan Micic announced Monday morning that he will not be in the 57-kilogram field this week at the Paris Olympics after sustaining a knee injury that will require reconstructive surgery. 

Micic, a 28-year-old Indiana native who starred in college at Michigan, became Serbia’s first freestyle World champion last year in Belgrade and entered Paris as the #1 seed and betting favorite at 57 kg. 

“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.

“These circumstances have broken me down completely. 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 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.”

Micic was looking to break new ground for Serbia in Paris. He became the country’s first men’s freestyle Olympian in 2021 but got eliminated after dropping his opening-round bout. Coming off his run to a World title last year — which included three consecutive wins against World champions — Micic was targeting the top spot in Paris. 

Micic was one of four American-born wrestlers in the 57-kilogram field, along with Spencer Lee (United States), Darian Cruz (Puerto Rico) and Roman Bravo-Young (Mexico). His departure from the weight has trickle-down effects on the rest of the bracket. 

The 57-kilogram men’s freestyle competition kicks off Thursday. In the meantime, United World Wrestling is working down its list of alternates to fill Micic’s spot in the field and adjust the seeds.