A lot of athletes balance their sports careers with education. Take Canadian figure skater Maddie Schizas, for example. The 22-year-old is a student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Even while competing for gold in the Olympics, her college assignments don’t pause.
Recently, Maddie had to ask her professor for an extension on a reflection paper. She thought it was due on a Sunday, but it was actually due that Friday. Her excuse? She was busy competing in the Olympic Games.
This situation might sound familiar to many. We all know that feeling of scrambling for an excuse when we miss a deadline. Professors might roll their eyes at stories like, “I couldn’t submit because my dog ate my homework.” But Miss Schizas had a real reason: she shared an article to prove she truly was competing internationally.
When it comes to balancing athletics and academics, her story is unique. According to the NCAA, around 90% of student-athletes do manage to graduate, but only a small fraction reach the elite level like Maddie. It’s a juggling act. Olympic athletes dedicate years to their sport, making sacrifices along the way.
On social media, fans have reacted positively, rallying behind athletes like Maddie who manage to chase dreams both on the ice and in the classroom. Recent polls show that about 70% of people admire athletes who continue studying while competing, seeing them as role models for determination and hard work.
In a world where excuses are often met with skepticism, Maddie’s situation shows that dedication can be a valid reason for missing an assignment. And who can blame her for prioritizing national representation over a paper? As she represents Canada, her professor may just find that granting her extension is not only fair, but also part of supporting the pursuit of excellence in all areas of life.
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