Michael wins Bronze
at Grand Prix Final

• Michael Weiss will be featured in a story in Sports Illustrated when the
  next issue hits the newsstands on Wednesday, December 17.
  

Dec. 14, 2003

Michael Weiss, battling the flu for a week, earned third place at the Grand Prix Final at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Only a week earlier Michael was in bed the day he skated in the International Figure Skating Challenge and earned third place. He had been ill for most of the week and could only squeeze in one practice before the men’s short program on Friday night.

Michael's artistic scores were enough keep him in the medal chase in the free skate. The flu and high altitude caused him some difficulty in the free skate with some jumps and exhaustion.

"I've never been hit by Mike Tyson, but after I finished my program I felt like I had. I have been sick with the flu and the easy thing would have been to pull out. But I'm glad I stuck with it and competed," Michael said. "I felt pretty good and was very happy after the short program. The Thursday practice was the first time I had my skates on for a week. I was in bed up until the time we left for Colorado on Wednesday night. So I felt pretty good how I skated and positioned myself for the
free skate."

The third place finish is the sixth time Michael has medaled in seven events so far this season. He won Skate America was third at Trophee Lalique and fourth at Cup of Russia in the Grand Prix series.

Michael will compete at the U.S. Nationals in three weeks in Atlanta, Georgia. The defending national champion will be trying to win his fourth championship.