Canadian figure skater Madeline Schizas had to quickly email her professor asking for more time on a sociology assignment. She realized the due date was the same day as her performance at the Olympics. If you need a good reason to turn in homework late, “I was competing for my country in Milan” is probably one of the best excuses ever.
Most students know this feeling. You’re busy with work or other things when you suddenly realize your assignment was due yesterday or in just a few hours. Many people have sent that worried email to a professor, hoping they’ll understand. Schizas was in the same situation, but she wasn’t out with friends. She was getting ready to skate at the Olympics.
According to the NBC Olympics, her sociology paper was due on Friday, but Schizas thought the deadline was Sunday. She needed a few extra days, and her reason was much better than what most professors usually hear. Schizas goes to McMaster University near her hometown of Oakville, Ontario. Being a student athlete is hard work, and it never really stops. Even though school is important, the Olympics only happen at specific times.
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Student athletes face constant pressure even during major competitions
After sending her email asking for an extension, Schizas posted on Instagram, where she has more than 33,000 followers. She apologized for her mistake and included an official press release proving she was competing in the Games. This way, her professor would know she wasn’t making up a story to avoid the Friday deadline. Much like Taylor Swift’s busy schedule affecting plans, athletes often juggle multiple commitments.
On Friday, the same day her paper was due, Schizas finished in 6th place in the women’s single skating short program. Her routine was based on The Lion King movie. Her performance helped Canada get a top-five position and reach the team final.
This isn’t Schizas’s first time dealing with Olympic pressure and university deadlines together. She competed in three events at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. She finished 18th in the women’s single skating event and helped Canada finish 4th in the team event. When athletes open up about difficult decisions, it shows the pressures they face beyond their sport. She turns 23 years old a week from Saturday.
Published: Feb 8, 2026 01:30 pm