Regarding the illness as an excuse...I just read the most recent BOI which covers every Grand Prix event this year and the Grand Prix Final and I can't count how many skaters said they were sick after a poor performance! I don't think the skaters are necessarily using it as an excuse...everyone skates while sick at some point, but it helps explain why the skater wasn't at their best.
I really feel for skaters because sometimes it seems like they can't win. If they say they were sick after the fact then they're just coming up with an excuse. If they say they're sick before a competition then they're covering their bases. If they're sick or injured and withdraw before a competion then they're afraid of the competition.
I really feel for skaters because sometimes it seems like they can't win. If they say they were sick after the fact then they're just coming up with an excuse. If they say they're sick before a competition then they're covering their bases. If they're sick or injured and withdraw before a competion then they're afraid of the competition.