What's Happening?
Canadian figure skater Madeline Schizas, currently competing in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, has gone viral for requesting a homework extension from her college professor. Schizas, a senior at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, emailed her sociology professor to ask for more time on an assignment, citing her participation in the Olympic Games as the reason for the delay. She shared this email on her Instagram story, humorously noting her busy schedule at the Olympics. Schizas is competing in her second Olympics and is Canada's sole representative in the women's individual figure skating event. She recently finished sixth in the women's short program for the team event, contributing to Canada's fifth-place standing after the first
day of competition.
Why It's Important?
This incident highlights the unique challenges faced by student-athletes who balance academic responsibilities with high-level sports commitments. Schizas's situation underscores the broader conversation about the support systems in place for athletes pursuing education alongside their sports careers. The viral nature of her request also brings attention to the pressures and expectations placed on Olympic athletes, who must manage their time and commitments across multiple domains. This story may prompt educational institutions to consider more flexible policies for students engaged in significant extracurricular activities, such as international sports competitions.
What's Next?
Schizas is awaiting a response from her professor regarding her extension request. Meanwhile, she continues to focus on her Olympic performance, with the women's individual figure skating event scheduled for February 17. The outcome of her request could influence how educational institutions handle similar situations in the future, potentially leading to more accommodating policies for student-athletes. Additionally, Schizas's performance in the upcoming events will be closely watched as she represents Canada on the international stage.
