While majoring in physical education at Mount Royal College in the 1970s, Manzer lost part of her right leg when she was run over by a car on the Trans-Canada Highway. During her recovery, she came in contact with Jerry Johnston and Sunshine Village who worked with amputees in cross-country skiing.[1] With practice, Manzer and Brent Munro became the first Canadians to participate in Cross-country skiing at the 1976 Winter Paralympics.[2] She earned a gold medal at the 5 km short distance Class II race,[3] although she was the only competitor.[4] Manzer also finished in third place in the Women's Slalom II and Giant Slalom II.[5] In the following Paralympic Winter Games, Manzer earned a gold medal in the Women's Slalom 2A and a silver medal in Women's Giant Slalom 2A.[6] She earned a certified skiing instructors certificate from the Canadian Ski instructors Alliance[7] and won three medals at the 1982 Winter World Championships for the Disabled. She received a bronze medal in alpine skiing, another bronze in giant slalom, and a silver medal in downhill.[8]
