As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan-Cortina, Canadian figure skater Madeline Schizas is proving that balancing world-class athletics with academic deadlines is a challenge even for an Olympian. The 22-year-old from Oakville, Ontario, has gone viral this week for a relatable student dilemma: requesting a homework extension while competing on the world stage.
Schizas is currently a fifth-year senior at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. She is completing her final semester of a Bachelor of Arts in Environment and Society, a program she describes as similar to environmental studies. Despite the high stakes in Italy, her academic responsibilities followed her across the Atlantic.
The “Olympic” Excuse
On 7 February 2026, Schizas shared a lighthearted post on social media detailing an email she sent to her sociology professor. Having missed a deadline for a course reflection due to her participation in the Olympic team event, she requested a brief extension. The “scheduling conflict” cited was none other than representing Team Canada in Milan.
By 8 February 2026, reports confirmed that her professor granted the extension. The story has resonated with students and fans across Canada, highlighting the dual life of student-athletes who must pivot from triple lutzes to academic essays in a matter of hours.
Academic Profile at McMaster
Schizas has maintained a rigorous academic schedule throughout her skating career. Her university experience includes:
- Major: Environment and Society (Faculty of Science/Social Sciences).
- Research: She has previously served as a Research Assistant at McMaster.
- Campus Life: In her final year, she moved into a residence in Hamilton’s Westdale neighbourhood with roommates Shayla McKeown and Jenna Coulter, who travelled to Italy this week to cheer her on.
- Graduation: Schizas is on track to graduate in May 2026.
Balancing Milan and Hamilton
While Schizas is focused on reclaiming her consistency on the ice, her commitment to her degree remains a priority. “For years, she’s balanced course work and training,” McMaster University noted in a recent profile. As she prepares for the individual women’s event later this month, she will be doing so with one less sociology assignment on her immediate to-do list, thanks to a professor who accepted what might be the best excuse in the history of higher education.