Elizabeth Manley

Elizabeth Manley is the 1988 Olympic Silver Medalist and Olympic Freestyle Champion, winning more than 50 national and international medals in her long and successful career. Boasting more than 30 years experience in both amateur and professional figure skating, Liz was the first Canadian female to successfully land a triple-double combination jump in competition, and she has participated in two Olympic Games, six World Championships, and has won three National Titles at the Canadian Championships.

Following a brief period of poor performance, Liz entered the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games as the underdog. Skating a phenomenal long program, Liz lost out on winning the gold medal by a fraction of a point. Her amazing comeback endeared her to Canadians and figure skating fans around the world. Upon winning the silver medal in Calgary, Liz retired from amateur skating to focus on professional events. She is a four-time World Cup Champion, a two-time U.S. Open Champion, Rock n’ Roll on Ice Champion, Diet Coke International Champion and a Legends of Figure Skating Champion.

Liz is a recipient of The Royal Order of Canada, and the author of two autobiographies: Thumbs Up- The Elizabeth Manley Story and Elizabeth Manley - As I Am: My Life After the Olympics. She has had three television specials, “Trial of Red Riding Hood", “Back to the Beanstalk", and the Gemini Award winning "Dear Elizabeth".

Liz now spends her time giving seminars nationally and coaching at her arena in Ontario. She is the National Spokesperson for Herbal Magic and Ovarian Cancer Canada, as well as the spokesperson for The Alzheimer’s Society of Ottawa and the Winners Walk of Hope, which is Canada’s largest fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer. She is also an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association of Canada. Liz is the Ambassador for the Health Council of Canada’s "Better Value for the Money " campaign, and she regularly works with the Canadian Mental Health Association. She recently became a member of the Cancer Foundation Courage Campaign Presidents Advisory Circle in Ottawa. Liz was a sports commentator for NBC for the Salt Lake City and Torino Games, and was a part of the CTV broadcast team for the 2010 Vancouver Games.

An uplifting, compassionate and inspirational speaker, Liz’s presentations centre around motivation, health awareness, mental illness, depression, surviving loss, and living – and coping – with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s.

• 1. Overcoming the Odds

  Olympic Figure Skating Champion Elizabeth Manley has overcome numerous obstacles on her road to success. In her honest and uplifting style, Manley speaks about some of her challenges, demonstrating how her positive attitude and perseverance have helped her come out on top.
  
  Presentation topics include:
  
  Dealing with Weight Issues -
  
  Like many people, Manley had a long and arduous struggle with weight issues. She presents on when and why her struggle with her weight began, her associated health challenges, as well as the social stigma associated with being overweight (especially for an Olympian). Manley talks about the hardships of that time and how it lead to her weight gain and unhealthy habits. Her presentation ends with discussing how she finally overcame the obstacles in her way to become more fit, healthier and happier than ever!
   
  The Trials and Tribulations of Dealing with Loss -
  
  One of Manley’s presentations deals with the experiences that come from dealing with family members that are affected by disease. Manley speaks about her experience with losing her mother to ovarian cancer, and seeing her father suffer from Alzheimer’s. She opens her heart and talks candidly about taking on the role as caregiver to her mother, and the profound mark that it left upon her. Following her mother’s death, Manley spiralled into a depression, suffering from the emotional fallout of caring for, and losing a loved one. She tells her story of feeling alone, and the path that she took to emerge a stronger person. Now caring for her father with Alzheimer’s, Manley shares her very personal experiences and offers her audience an uplifting perspective on remaining brave.
  
   
  Lessons Learned From Being An Olympic Champion –
  
  What are the many lessons that Manley has learned from her years as a champion?
  
  The endless hours of training, the commitment, the focus, the immense drive that creates a world-class champion... can anyone do it? Manley relives her incredible journey; the ups and downs, the pressures, the struggles and the triumphs, and gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it takes to make it to the top.
  
  Mental Health Issues –
  
  Having comeback from depression to win an Olympic Medal, Manley speaks out on her struggles with depression, and how she came back from it. Manley outlines the stigma of mental illness and talks about dealing with it, and helping others understand that there is help available.

• “The consensus is "best AGM ever". I owe a large portion of the thanks to you, Liz. Your ability to relate and engage with the audience is unique. The Board, consumers, staff and donors fell in love with you. We now know why you are referred to as "Canada's Sweetheart". On a specific note, your response to questions was perfect and honest. You didn't oppose or support different methods of therapy but spoke about what worked for you! That is really what it is all about.”
  Canadian Mental Health Association

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