Born in Canada in 1974, Mandy-Rae has been active in water related activities since before she could walk. Her competitive edge started at the age of nine when she started competing as a synchronized swimmer. At the age of 15, Mandy-Rae decided to get a little deeper and became a certified Scuba diver. After high school she decided to make diving her fulltime passion and became a PADI Instructor and then PADI Course Director.
It wasn't until 2000 that Mandy-Rae was introduced to freediving. It was an instant attraction. What better way to experience the sea and challenge yourself at the same time. By the end of the year Mandy-Rae placed 3rd in her first AIDA international team competition in Nice, France and had done 136 meters in the no-limits category. Since then, Mandy-Rae has gone on to capture twelve National records and six World records. As a five time member of Team Canada she has been there to help the women's team to two first place finishes and three third place finishes in AIDA International competitions.