Elizabeth Manley to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College
Posted on Thursday, June 1st, 2023
Being a four-time World Cup champion, two-time U.S. Open champion figure
skater, Manley spent much of her life testing her limits, pushing past her breaking points and navigating the often complicated and challenging world of sport. Today, she uses her experience to compassionately support others in their life’s pursuits.
Severe bouts of anxiety and depression throughout her skating career brought about many difficulties that have pushed her toward her career today. As a vocal mental health advocate, Manley uses her platform to raise awareness for mental health and wellness, and uplift others struggling with their mental health.
“Winning that Olympic medal was actually the steppingstone to pursue what I was really passionate about,” said Manley. “Everything that I went through as a teen with my mental health, opened up so many doors. I am the poster child for everything happens for a reason.”
After spending many years in the United States as a performer and coach, Manley followed her roots back to Ottawa and now lives in Collingwood, Ontario where she is a Certified Life/Executive Performance Coach who works with individuals, athletes and organizations to help them reach their full potential.
“Because I’ve walked the talk and I understand what people go through, I am able to work with people in the community and understand what they’re dealing with to push them in a more positive direction, shift their perspectives, and encourage a more optimistic outlook,” said Manley.
Manley served as the national spokesperson for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) from 1988 to the mid 90’s and today is a speaker for CMHA throughout Canada. She travels frequently for speaking engagements across the country, where she talks to students about mental health and wellness, shares information on mental health resources and stresses the importance of caring for one’s mental health first and foremost.
“I have hit rock bottom two to three times in my life, and I’ve been able to be resilient through it and I feel everybody can be resilient,” shared Manley.
Manley’s resiliency shines in both her professional and personal accomplishments: she has authored two autobiographies, produced several television segments and provided on-air and written commentary for multiple Olympic Games. Most recently, Manley was awarded the Courage to Speak award from Carleton University’s Mental Health and Well-Being Research and Training Hub, for her work as a Certified Life Coach and ongoing mental health advocacy.
“I’ve spent the last 20-30 years speaking out on mental health,” said Manley. “I’m not doing this because I feel that I have to, but because I want to. Through all of the work that I did on myself, I discovered that I want to help other people as well. I’m a true believer that if you put the hard work in, good things come out of it. I don’t believe in the word failure.”
Manley’s lengthy and accomplished career has left her with one key piece of advice for Algonquin College’s Class of 2023: “go after your dreams.”
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