Mary Valid

Fitness is my tool for service. Transitioning from IFBB Pro stages to full-time firefighting, I found a new challenge in Fire Fit combat. But my true fuel is mentorship. As the Head of Fitness at Centennial College Pre-service, I prepare aspiring firefighters to crush their physical aptitude tests. It is an honor to combine my passion for lifting with my dedication to saving lives, inspiring the next generation of firefighters.

My training has shifted from "show" to "go." While I love the discipline of my IFBB bodybuilding roots, my passion is now functional training for Fire Fit combat competitions—where I recently took home bronze! I train exactly how I work: dragging hoses, climbing stairs, and lifting heavy. Leading fitness prep for students at Centennial College keeps me sharp, too. For me, the best workout combines heavy lifting with high-intensity drills so I'm always strong enough to save a life.

If I won, I would donate $5,000 towards firefighters cancer research. $15,000 would go towards aspiring firefighters I mentor at Centennial College. Our program currently lacks the critical equipment needed to train for the Physical Aptitude Test, and the funds would help purchase the specific gear my students need to simulate real testing scenarios. These students are our future heroes, and I want to ensure they have the tools to succeed, get hired, and be physically ready to save lives!