As the Paris Olympics approaches, the country’s top wrestlers are leaving no stone unturned as they look forward to embarking on the road to Paris 2024. While the USA’s talents are girding up to get on the mat to bring home glory, many collegiate wrestlers have committed their allegiance to their respective countries of origin. For Michigan Wolverines wrestling star, Stevan Micic, the decision to represent Serbia in the Olympics wasn’t a tough one. And it looks like his ambitions are bearing fruits, as Bulgaria stood in witness.
Micic took part in the Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov International in Sofia as his first international tournament of 2024. With the Olympic Games looming overhead, the 2023 World Championships gold medalist made sure to make the most of the opportunity with gusto.
Stevan Micic takes his first step on the road to Paris 2024
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Stevan’s latest vlog episode on YouTube (episode 11) captures his and his team’s journey in Sofia as the 2018 NCAA silver medalist sought to kickstart his journey on the road to Paris 2024 with style. After three grueling matches in the tournament, Micic managed to triumph over Yaroslav Hurskyy of Ukraine to win the gold in the 61kg weight class.
His journey to the summit wasn’t an easy one, especially considering the fact that his first-round opponent (Yasin Rezaeiaghouzgoleh of Iran) went on to win a bronze medal in the tournament. However, with 32 tech fall points obtained throughout the Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov International at the Asics Arena, Micic highlighted his skills on the mat in a definitive manner.
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Over the last few weeks, Micic was spotted several times training with some familiar faces with eyes on the Paris Olympics. From NCAA rival Seth Gross to UFC celebrity Sean O’Malley, Stevan did not hesitate to learn from his colleagues. However, in Bulgaria, Stevan himself took over the reins as he imparted crucial knowledge to rising wrestlers, giving them tips on how to develop their skills. “I think it’s important just to be able to at least share my knowledge of what I know for people who want to learn“, Micic can be heard saying in the video. And yet, Micic will be heading on the road to Paris with a pensive heart as one of his closest allies will be standing on his way to the ultimate glory.
Micic faces a difficult challenge in the form of a friend
Nick Suriano, Michigan Wolverines’ other poster boy will also enter the Olympic team trials in the 61kg weight class. After winning gold at the Pan American Championships in Acapulco, Mexico, Suriano is running on a high horse and is expected to make it to the national team considering his current form. Ahead of the PanAm tournament, the 2022 NCAA champ Suriano was observed gaining the bulk and it looks like he’s found an inkling toward his new category, and Micic will have to proceed with caution.
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While fans will once again be denied to witness the culmination of the long-standing rivalry between Suriano and Spencer Lee (57kg) at the national team trials, the prospect of seeing two collegiate teammates locking horns on the grandest stage under different banners will surely tick all the right boxes for the ardent wrestling connoisseurs as well.
