Mary Sanders, OLY has dual citizenship of the U.S and Canada. Mary was a two-time Canadian Champion in Rhythmic Gymnastics until she made the unimaginable switch to compete and represent the U.S. to honor her father’s legacy. Mary’s dad, a Big Ten Champion from the University of Michigan, was a coach and mentor until he passed away from cancer when Mary was 8. To this day, he remains the fuel to her fire. Overcoming an incredible set of challenges from the outset that would have deterred many, she looked to her single mother and older brothers for inspiration. Mary became a 2004 US Olympian in Rhythmic Gymnastics, two-time US Champion, Pan American (5 gold medals), Four Continents Champion, two-time Athlete of the Year, USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Inductee and earned the title as the most successful rhythmic gymnast in all the Western Hemisphere.
Cirque du Soleil scouted Mary immediately following the Olympics in 2004 to perform in two of their touring shows entitled Corteo and Delirium. Mary continued her career in Cirque du Soleil for 10 years as an acrobat, contortionist, trampolinist, rhythmic gymnast, aerialist, artistic coordinator, choreographer, coach, and creative collaborator in corporate sponsorship.
Mary was hired as the Co-Creative Director, choreographer & performer for the 2012 and 2016 40-state Gymnastics tour of Champions starring Simone Biles, Nastia Liukin, Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber and other members of the US Women’s Olympic Gold Medal Winning Team. Both tours were the most successful post-Olympic Tours in USA Gymnastics history.
Mary is a C-Level Chief of Staff, Event / Operations Specialist, Entertainment and Global Partnerships expert. Mary executes unique partnerships, live events, executive production / direction in front and behind the camera all while creating meaningful content. Mary has extensive experience securing partners, sponsors, endorsements with globally recognized international brands.
Mary Executive Produced and starred in "Olympians at Heart” which can be found in the US on BYUtv & Super Channel Heart & Home in Canada. BBC has also acquired the film.
Mary is a published author and her story 9 LIVES BY 35 is available wherever books & audiobooks are sold. Mary narrated her audiobook. (Dundurn Press / Tantor Audio)
Since writing her memoir, Mary is sharing her journey of resilience by inspiring many to reinvent their lives through public speaking and mentoring.
Most recently, Mary has begun her 10th Life… as a singer/songwriter. Follow / add / watch Mary wherever you listen to music or watch music videos 🤍
Next up, a Children’s Book… stay tuned 📖
"I've lived my life based on a theme of constant reinvention. When one chapter closes another one opens and usually leads me down a completely different path. I've lived many lives, many highs, and some lows, but my faith, optimism and drive to succeed that was ingrained in me as a young athlete has always prevailed. When there's a will there's a way. "
Mary Sanders, OLY