Stevan's World Championships Preview
"Dear Wrestling Fans, Friends and Supporters,...
as I am now officially finished with my amateur career as a wrestler, there are many new changes that are being made as I transition into my professional freestyle career as a Serbian Olympic athlete.
As I have been at University of Michigan for the past 7 years, I have decided that I would take my training back to the Chicago area where I will have my father become my full time coach. This region has many good high level wrestlers/sparring partners from across the country and world that allow me to get very strong training while I develop as world-class wrestler. This will also give me more freedom to travel with Serbian national teams to other European and Asian countries for training camps to improve my skills and peak for top events.
As I transition up to 65kg for Paris 2024, it will take some time to get fully adjusted to the new weight class, especially since I am making a direct jump up from 57kg. Since my strength is gradually increasing and I am improving my explosiveness for 65kg, we (Serbian federation and myself) have decided that I will go 61kg for the World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, 16-17 September. This will be my best chance to make an immediate impact in my home country where I have my best chances for a medal. This is my preferred weight class but it's not an Olympic weight, making this year the best and only year I can compete at this category before fully moving to 65kg.
To compete in Belgrade means the world to me. I am so eager and excited to compete in my favorite city in the world. It will feel like home to me and it will keep me calm and relaxed with my preparations as they come closer to competition. I think i will also feel a fire in me to compete my absolute best in order to come out with a medal. It will be a good, healthy pressure to win...all of Serbia believes in me so this will help me through the tournament. I want to put on a show for my fans and for my people in Belgrade.
As I continue my preparations, I feel very focused and excited that I am improving on a daily basis. It is important to be in the best physical shape as well since I will be at a weight class that suit me best. In order to compete to my fullest abilities, I am planning on making mental tactics and strategies that mixes in with my technique to make me a complete wrestler when it is time to compete in September. I am preparing for any wrestlers that I may come across, and I have a full belief in my abilities that I can perform and win."
By STEVAN MICIC
Photo Credit: Wrestling Serbia