Figure skater gets school assignment deadline extended with the most badass excuse — the Winter Olympics

You’ve heard “Dog ate my homework,” “forgot it at home,” and possibly even other bizarre reasons when it comes to excuses at school. This one, however, is a winner. Canadian skater Madeline sent her professor an email stating she would require an extension for her school assignment, as shared by @juegosolimpicos. In the post shared on February 8, 2026, the woman noted that she is "competing in the Olympic Games” and requires more time to work on a weekly assignment. The best part? She’s not lying. Schizas just helped Canada win 5th place at the women’s free skate category, as shared in her post on February 9, 2026. 

The email was sent on February 7, 2026, in which the skater noted that she was participating in an event for the Olympics the day prior and would require an extension. Devon Heroux, a reporter at the Olympics, shared the email, which was originally posted on the athlete’s story, on X. In a previous post, Schizas shared proof of her participation with breathtaking pictures from her performance and the news that she won 6th place in the first day’s event. She continued her way to victory, performing meticulously to secure a spot among the top five, according to her latest post. 

So what was the professor’s response? In a post shared by @mcmastedu, the man noted that Schizas’ circumstances called for a valid extension. He wrote, “Hi, Madeline. Wow! What a special moment. Yes, in the circumstances, an extension is perfectly fine.” He also gave the athlete the option to focus on the Olympics until it’s completed and then submit the said assignment. “The triple lutz triple toe combo is a pretty hard move to master, but you've got this. Good luck—the whole country is rooting for you and your teammates,” he supportively wrote.

He funnily added that having once scored a goal in hockey when he was 10 was “challenging enough,” and so he understood the dedication and focus she required. What a fabulous sport! Satzewich shared a post of himself watching the skater on TV, assuring full support for her to chase her passion with her talent and skill. “So proud of you, Maddie!” he wrote in his caption. Heroux also revealed in an update that Schizas shared his post on her story and wrote, “Thanks for the support, Prof.” Having a supportive and understanding teacher can become a significant boon for students.

Results from Gallup’s "Teaching for Tomorrow" study shared by Belmont University revealed that 83% of excited teachers report that students are eager to learn. Another study published revealed that a teacher’s supportive approach has a direct positive impact on a student’s learning. It also has an indirect positive impact on “academic engagement, mastery-avoidance goals and performance-approach goals.” For students, support from their educators becomes a resource to thrive on. It further “influences” and encourages them to transform their approach and perspective when it comes to learning, goals, and so on.

In the skater and her professor’s case, his support and understanding have helped her thrive academically as well as in the sports world. She can chase her dreams while building her education and future. Ever since, the duo has gone viral on the internet for their adorable bond and for the whole “extension for the Olympics" scenario. @intactinsurance wrote, “The teacher understood the assignment… Literally.” @baritonekeith added, “THE 2026 CANADIAN OLYMPIC STORY.”

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