There is no excuse, you are not allowed to leave an event without checking with the coach.
A student is the responsibility of the coach when at a meet. You came on the bus you must leave on the bus or have a parent check you out with the coach before leaving.
I imagine the coach will have punishment for you if you are not kicked off the team.
Most schools are very strict on students leaving an event without checking out.
straight up truth is always the best. Say , i was off that day, it was raining...and i had no desire. Ask your coach, if that is normal...which IT IS ! so he should be more empathetic, and have a chat to help you feel better about it.
I say you should tell the truth but if you are scared here are some excuses...
You got sick
You were injured
You had other plans you couldn't miss
A family member died and you had to attend the funeral
These are just ideas.
tell him/her that you were feeling really sick and you almost got sick so you decided to go home so you didn't get sick at your track meet
"My fibromyalgia was acting up."
