Madeline Schizas Requests Assignment Extension During Olympic Competition

Canadian figure skater Madeline Schizas, competing in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, made headlines when she requested an extension for a college assignment due to her Olympic commitments. The 22-year-old senior at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, reached out to her sociology professor after mistakenly believing the deadline was on Sunday rather than Friday, the day she was competing in the women's short program for the team event.

Student competing at Winter Olympics has hilarious reaction to missed assignmentMadeline Schizas has pretty good excuse for late homework assignment — the OlympicsFigure skater asks professor for extension on assignment: ‘I was competing in the Olympics'McMaster students head to Italy to cheer on their roommate, Olympic figure skater Madeline SchizasCanada fourth in figure skating team event after Gilles-Poirier rhythm dance

Schizas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Environment & Society, is not only representing Canada at the Olympics but is also a dedicated student athlete. This is her second Olympic appearance, having previously competed in the 2022 Beijing Games. Schizas has been a four-time national champion and is currently Canada's sole representative in the women's individual figure skating event, scheduled for February 17.

Madeline Schizas has pretty good excuse for late homework assignment — the OlympicsStudent competing at Winter Olympics has hilarious reaction to missed assignmentFigure skater asks professor for extension on assignment: ‘I was competing in the Olympics'McMaster students head to Italy to cheer on their roommate, Olympic figure skater Madeline SchizasFigure Skating-Canada's Schizas shrugs off music issue in team event skate

Madeline Schizas has garnered attention for her dual role as an athlete and student. Her performance in the team event, where she finished sixth with a score of 64.97, contributed to Team Canada's overall standing. The team is currently in fifth place after the first day of competition, trailing behind the United States, Japan, Italy, and Georgia.

Madeline Schizas has pretty good excuse for late homework assignment — the Olympics

In her email to her professor, Schizas humorously noted, “I was competing in the Olympic Games yesterday and thought the reflection was due on Sunday, not Friday.” She shared her request on Instagram, indicating she did not expect a response over the weekend. Schizas expressed her uncertainty about how her professor would react, stating, “I’m just shooting my shot on this one.”

Madeline Schizas has pretty good excuse for late homework assignment — the Olympics

While Schizas's request has been met with lightheartedness, it also highlights the challenges faced by student-athletes who juggle rigorous training and competition schedules with academic responsibilities. Critics may argue that such requests could set a precedent for leniency in academic standards, although many recognize the unique circumstances surrounding Olympic athletes.

Figure Skating-Canada's Schizas shrugs off music issue in team event skate

There are no significant conflicting reports regarding Schizas's performance or her request for an extension. However, the broader implications of balancing academic obligations with elite athletic competition remain a topic of discussion.

Madeline Schizas has pretty good excuse for late homework assignment — the Olympics

Following her participation in the team event, Schizas is set to compete in the women's individual figure skating event on February 17. Her performance in this event will be closely watched, as it represents her opportunity to secure her first Olympic medal.

Student competing at Winter Olympics has hilarious reaction to missed assignment

• “I skated really well. I skated as well as I could have, so I'm really happy with my performance,” — Madeline Schizas, Canadian Figure Skater

Canada fourth in figure skating team event after Gilles-Poirier rhythm dance

• “I need to look at the sheets.” — Madeline Schizas, reflecting on her performance scores.

Figure Skating-Canada's Schizas shrugs off music issue in team event skate

• “I think it can be really isolating to compete at a high level in sport and having a good group of outside friends, of female friends, has made a big difference for me.” — Madeline Schizas, on the importance of her support system.

McMaster students head to Italy to cheer on their roommate, Olympic figure skater Madeline Schizas