Mark Manysiak | Canada's Ultimate Challenge Bio
CBC Gem | Posted: January 23, 2025 4:30 PM | Last Updated: 9 hours ago
NAME: Mark Manysiak
OCCUPATION: Garbage man
AGE: 35
HOMETOWN: Whitecourt, Alta
OCCUPATION: Garbage man
AGE: 35
HOMETOWN: Whitecourt, Alta
Mark is a self-described Swiss Army knife of skills and positive energy. Born and raised in Alberta, he currently lives in Canmore, where he works as a solid waste service operator, "a glorified garbage man," as he puts it.
Mark's life is all about seeking adventure, from mastering a skateboarding trick to dabbling in hacky-sack and juggling. On Canada's Ultimate Challenge, Mark is ready to bring his trademark enthusiasm and team-first mentality to the competition.
What's driving you to take on Canada's Ultimate Challenge?
I get to explore Canada and compete against some of the most talented athletes Canada has to offer and we get to travel from coast to coast. Sign me up :)
This was also an opportunity for me to be part of a team. I've always played and participated in individual types of activities and sports. So for me to be a part of a team and try and win as a TEAM was something I was interested in.
What unique skills will set you apart from the competition?
My whole life I have been blessed to be open-minded and with that I have tried a lot of things.
With trying so many activities and sports, it really helps make you prepared for anything the Ultimate Challenge can toss at you.
How did you gear up for Canada's Ultimate Challenge?
This is going to be a very cliché answer but it's truthful. I wake up every day trying to be better than I was yesterday. I take this very seriously and it's helped me to be the person I am today. It's all about my routine and my discipline. Stay locked baby!
What do you fear the most in the competition?
The biggest fear for me was to be the weakest link on my team. I wanted to make sure that every time the horn sounded I was going to give my team 110%. I didn't want to let them down EVER!
What's the toughest thing life has thrown you and how did it prepare you for this challenge?
When you live a life full of adventure and try to seek discomfort, challenges happen but that's seriously the only way I like to live.
Who is your favourite player from past seasons?
Big dawg Brandon, the kid's humble and I love that. Humility is key to a great life.
What's a random fact that people would be shocked to learn about you?
In my spare time, I nerd out on macroeconomics.
Canada's Ultimate Challenge comes to CBC Gem on Thursday, March 6.