Meet 'Survivor's First Little Person Contestant

As the first little person to compete on Survivor, Leif Manson says he had something to prove.

Meet the Cast: Survivor: One World

"I was mainly just wanting to show people that I can do everything that they can do," Leif explained.

In fact, Leif may have been better suited for the competition than some of his average-sized opponents.

"That's my element," revealed Leif, who grew up in the "far outskirts" of Sante Fe, New Mexico. "I love being in the forest and just being in nature."

The most difficult task for the 28-year-old former phlebotomist, who is entering his third year of marriage with his wife Briana, was leaving his two-year-old daughter Leiana.

"Just being away from my daughter was the hardest thing," said Leif. "Having no communication with my daughter was the hardest thing I've ever done."

Survivor: One World launched its new season with a huge twist last month, breaking up the contestants into men versus women but forcing them to share one beach.

Survivor: One World airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.