[baobabKoodaa]

Ok. I'll take your anecdote at face value and shift my views slightly in that direction. I'll also note that even if some competitors do memorize algorithms & train how to write them fast without mistakes, this memorization perhaps gives them a slight edge, but it's not the core skill that separates winners from losers. A small edge, perhaps.

[watwut]

Necessary edge. There was tons of preparation specifically for competitions.

Not sure why would that be surprising. Same thing happen in chess, scrabble, anything competitive. Once there is enough competition, you can't go in with hope and talent alone. You have to train specifically for competition format.

Chess players don't base their play on pure problem solving either. They memorize and train specific plays.

[baobabKoodaa]

> Not sure why would that be surprising.

It's surprising because I also do competitive programming, and I know many people who do it, and I haven't encountered anyone in those circles memorizing algorithms. In fact, many competitions explicitly allow you to use a pre-written library. Some IRL competitions even allow you to bring in written materials. (Not all competitions allow this, I know.)