Madeline Schizas, a Team Canada figure skater, missed a college assignment due to competing at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Her email to her professor, explaining the situation and requesting an extension, became a viral moment.
Between the opening ceremony for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and competing in the short program of the women’s figure skating team event, Team Canada’s Madeline Schizas had a busy schedule. However, being an Olympian didn’t stop her from facing the same challenges as any other college student: keeping up with assignments.
Schizas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Environment & Society at McMaster University, missed the deadline for a reflection in her sociology class. She realized her mistake the day after competing. Her email to her professor quickly went viral after she shared it on her Instagram story.
In the email, Schizas wrote, “Hi Prof. [redacted], I am a student in your Sociology 2FF3 course and am wondering if I could get a short extension on this week’s reflection. I was competing in the Olympic Games yesterday and thought the reflection was due on Sunday, not Friday.” She even included a press release from the Canadian Olympic Committee to confirm her participation.
Balancing Athletics and Academics at the Highest Level
Schizas’ experience highlights the incredible balancing act that student-athletes face. Competing at the Olympics while maintaining academic responsibilities is no small feat. This story resonates with many students and athletes alike, showcasing the dedication required to succeed in both arenas.
She is not new to the Olympic stage. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, she finished 18th in the women’s single skating short program. Her current performance at the 2026 Olympics includes a sixth-place finish in the short program portion of the team event, contributing five points to Team Canada’s score of 35, securing their place in the medal event.
Upcoming Events for Schizas
Schizas’ journey at the Olympics is far from over. She is set to compete in the women’s single skating free skating portion of the team event on Sunday, February 8, at 2:45 p.m. ET. Additionally, she will participate in the individual women’s single skating short program medal event on Tuesday, February 17, at 12:45 p.m. ET.
A medal in either of these events would mark a significant milestone, as it would be her first Olympic medal. This achievement would add to her growing legacy in the world of figure skating.
The Broader Context: Student-Athletes’ Challenges
The pressure and responsibilities that student-athletes endure are immense. They must manage rigorous training schedules, competitions, and academic commitments. Schizas’ story sheds light on the importance of support systems, such as understanding professors, to help these athletes succeed. Her humorous and honest approach to the situation has endeared her to fans worldwide, providing a humanizing moment in the context of high-stakes athletic competition.
This incident serves as a reminder of the multifaceted lives led by Olympians and other elite athletes. Beyond their athletic achievements, they face the same everyday challenges that many students and working professionals encounter.
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