Grrrr. Sorry if this is stepping on any toes but I really, really, hate it when parents put their kiddies through such torture. If a kid is so nervous that he faints, they should not make him go through it.

There is NO benefit; no vital lesson learned (other than your parents are anal control freaks who value trophies over your happiness.)

I know it is important that kids get a good education and that they participate in various activities involving competition since that is preparing them for life. But, we should always keep in mind that they are children, and let them benefit, and enjoy, from that period in their life because it is over all too quickly. Let them play.