Mariam Allam | Canada's Ultimate Challenge Bio
CBC Gem | Posted: January 23, 2025 4:30 PM | Last Updated: January 29
NAME: Mariam Allam
OCCUPATION: Fitness ambassador
AGE: 38
HOMETOWN: Toronto, On.
OCCUPATION: Fitness ambassador
AGE: 38
HOMETOWN: Toronto, On.
Mariam is a fitness trainer who left a career in civil engineering after earning her PhD from MIT. Born in Saudi Arabia, raised in Egypt, and later settling in Toronto, Mariam brings a world of experience to Canada's Ultimate Challenge.
She's on a mission to prove that hijabi women belong in the fitness world. Armed with strength, endurance, and a fearless attitude, Mariam is set to shatter stereotypes and show that being "small but mighty" is a winning formula.
What's driving you to take on Canada's Ultimate Challenge?
What lit the spark was when Paris banned French hijabi athletes from participating in the 2024 Olympics! That was such a shocking moment, so I felt I had to do something to show the world that hijabi women belong in the fitness field just like anyone else! It is a human right! And we have passed the times when women are told what or what not to do!
What unique skills will set you apart from the competition?
I think one thing that I am proud of is I have both the strength and endurance and the brains! And most importantly I don't even look like it! So no one will see me coming!
How did you gear up for Canada's Ultimate Challenge?
I feel like F45 [a unique program that incorporates cardio, resistance-based strength training, or a hybrid of both] training has prepped me physically and mentally to whatever the challenge is going to bring!
What do you fear the most in the competition?
My worst fear is to be the one holding my team back in any of the challenges.
What's the toughest thing life has thrown you and how did it prepare you for this challenge?
Life has thrown me into so many situations where I had to gather myself and be strong for my family and me!
Who is your favourite player from past seasons?
Courtney. There was something about her that made me feel like we are so similar!
What's a random fact that people would be shocked to learn about you?
I have a PhD from MIT and left my engineering career behind to be a trainer and eventually became an F45 athlete! I am still passionate about engineering but I find it way more fulfilling to empower women and people all over the world through fitness.
Canada's Ultimate Challenge comes to CBC Gem on Thursday, March 6