Michael wins Bronze
at Skating Challenge

December 6, 2003

Michael's long program has a patriotic theme.

Michael Weiss fought through illness to finish third at the International Figure Skating Challenge at Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Michael committed to the competition and decided to participate in the event despite feeling ill and having the effects of a cold. "My family has been sick for the past week and I think it’s finally catching up with me,"
Michael said before getting in a practice on Friday afternoon.

Michael’s performance was solid despite feeling weak. He completed a triple Axel triple toeloop and four other triple jumps. Michael performed his free skate to a medley of patriotic songs.

When Michael’s scores were announced the crowd didn’t agree and voiced their displeasure.

Michael will compete at the Grand Prix Finals ranked third among the six who qualified for the prestigious event.

It was a bittersweet weekend for Michael. On Thursday he announced a contest on his Web site with the winner earning a trip to the U.S. Nationals in Atlanta in January. Enter by going to Michael’s home page. Then on Sunday morning Michael was struggling to find a flight home to a snowed-in Washington, D.C.