Obe Blanc, the top-ranked American freestyle wrestler at 55 kg, has withdrawn from the 2013 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary while he attempts to resolve the issues surrounding a positive drug test at the 2013 U.S. World Team Trials on June 22, 2013. 

Competing for the United States at 55 kg at the World Championships will be Angel Escobedo (Columbus, Ohio/New York AC/Titan Mercury WC). Competition in men’s freestyle at the World Championships is Monday, September 16.

Blanc has reported that he did not knowingly consume anything which contained a banned substance.

Obe Blanc commented as follows:

“I am very frustrated and disappointed that I am unable to represent the United States at the World Championships. However, I have confidence that Angel Escobedo will represent our nation very well. I understand and respect the drug testing process and am working to resolve my case. I hope to be able to return to competition as soon as possible.”