You watch a single screenshot turn an ordinary moment into a viral headline: a Canadian Olympian politely asks a sociology professor for a short extension, attaches proof of competing at the Milano Cortina Games, and the internet responds with delight. You get the quick answer up front — the professor granted the extension after seeing her Olympic participation — and the story shows how small, honest messages can cut through the noise.
This piece will unpack why that brief email resonated online and how it highlights the tightrope athletes walk between elite competition and everyday responsibilities. Expect a closer look at the viral message, the professor’s supportive reply, and what the moment says about balancing school and sport.
Going Viral: The Email That Captivated the Internet
Madeline Schizas asked for an assignment extension after competing at the Milano Cortina Olympics and shared a screenshot that quickly drew attention online. The message, the public reaction, and her professor’s reply together created a light, human moment during the Games.
What Madeline Schizas Sent Her Professor
Madeline Schizas emailed her Sociology 2FF3 professor asking for a short extension because she had been competing at the Olympic Games the day before and had misread the due date.
Her message was brief and polite: she explained the conflict, linked to confirmation of her Olympic participation, and added a lighthearted comment about the challenges of being a student-athlete.
The email combined clear evidence (the competition link) with a casual tone that made it feel relatable.
That mix made the exchange easy to share and understand, especially for other students balancing school with elite sport.
Instagram Story and Social Media Reactions
Schizas posted a screenshot of the email to her Instagram Story, which is where the message first spread beyond her immediate circle.
Social platforms amplified the story quickly, with fans, other athletes, and news outlets resharing the post and celebrating the candid moment.
Coverage included mainstream outlets and sports pages, and posts often highlighted the contrast between Olympic competition and everyday student obligations.
The episode became a recurring feel-good item during the Games and helped people connect with Schizas as both an athlete and a McMaster University student.
Professor’s Response & McMaster University’s Support
The professor replied with support, granting the extension and encouraging Schizas to focus on the competition.
He acknowledged the unusual circumstances and offered reassurance, noting the extension was “perfectly fine” given the situation.
McMaster University acknowledged the exchange on its channels, which reinforced institutional backing for student-athletes juggling academics and elite sport.
That public backing — from the professor and McMaster — framed the email as an accepted and understandable request rather than a rule breach, and reassured other student-athletes facing similar conflicts.
Juggling Olympic Glory and Student Life
Madeline Schizas managed course deadlines, team duties, and individual competition while representing Canada at the Winter Games. She asked a professor for an assignment extension and shared proof of her Olympic participation publicly.
Competing for Canada: Balancing Academics and Athletics
Schizas studies at McMaster University while skating for Team Canada, so she split time between classes and training. She emailed her sociology professor requesting an extension when she realized an assignment conflicted with Olympic duties, then posted the exchange to verify her situation for followers.
Being a student-athlete adds logistical strain: travel between practice sessions and team meetings, scheduled tests, and maintaining coursework. McMaster granted the extension, allowing Schizas to focus on the rink without academic penalty. That accommodation reflects coordination between athletes and universities, including support from the Canadian Olympic Committee for national-team competitors.
Highlights from the Team Event and Women’s Single Skate
In the team figure skating event, Schizas skated the short program and helped Canada reach the team final; her short used choreography inspired by a well-known score. She then prepared for the women’s single skate short program and aimed to qualify for the free skate and the individual medal round.
Technically, she attempted jump elements that included combinations like the triple Lutz–triple toe in competition practice and routines. Her placements—top-six in the short program at one stage—contributed to Canada’s overall standing and set expectations for the women’s individual figure skating free skate. The performances highlighted her role on the national team and the interplay between team event responsibility and solo competition.
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