McMaster Student Goes Viral for Seeking Assignment Extension to Compete in Olympics

Canadian figure skater Madeline Schizas recently achieved viral fame, blending her athletic prowess with academic requests. During an Olympic competition, she humorously sought a university assignment extension, which has made waves on social media.

Olympics and Viral Fame

While competing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Schizas faced unexpected internet fame over her email to a professor. Her message, requesting a brief extension on a sociology assignment, went viral after she shared a screenshot on social media.

Request for Extension

On Saturday, Schizas reached out to her McMaster University professor, requesting an additional day to complete her reflection assignment. She mentioned competing in the Olympic Games and mistakenly thinking the assignment was due on Sunday instead of Friday. To support her request, she included a link to the Canadian Olympic Committee’s press release.

Professorial Response

The professor promptly granted Schizas the extension, encouraging her to focus on her competition. His reply acknowledged the unusual circumstances, stating, “Yes, in the circumstances, an extension is perfectly fine.” This exchange resonated with many, leading to an outpouring of support for the skater.

Performance at the Olympics

At the Olympic team event, Canada finished fifth, with Schizas performing to the music of “Butterfly Lovers.” Despite a fall on her opening triple lutz, she recorded a score of 125.00. Her teammates, Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, excelled in their own performance, achieving a new personal best of 134.42 points in the pairs free skate.

Team Dynamics and Reactions

• Schizas trains with Pereira and Michaud, who appreciated her viral moment.
• Mike Slipchuk, Skate Canada’s high-performance director, praised Schizas’s humor.
• Other team members were largely unaware of the internet sensation Schizas had become.

Looking Ahead

Schizas, who is majoring in Environment and Society and set to graduate in May, is now preparing for the individual event starting February 17. She joked about the dual pressure of homework and Olympic competition, particularly with a midterm scheduled for February 12.

This captivating blend of competitive spirit and academic responsibility has undoubtedly made Madeline Schizas a relatable figure for many, showcasing that balancing sports and studies is a common challenge faced by students.