Alysha Newman won a bronze medal in the women's pole vault event on Wednesday at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris. She also set a new Canadian record. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Alysha Newman has made a significant mark in Canadian sports history by winning a bronze medal in women's pole vaulting at the Olympics. With a personal best jump of 4.85 meters, Newman has set a new Canadian record, earning the nation's first-ever Olympic medal in this event.
Newman, who hails from Delaware, Ontario, achieved this milestone during her third Olympic appearance, marking her first medal in the pole vault. She shared her excitement and the surreal experience of standing on the podium, humorously describing her uncertainty about how to celebrate. Despite her nerves and the unusual circumstances of her celebration, Newman felt honoured to be the first Canadian woman to win a medal in this event.
Although she finished at the same height as the silver medallist, Katie Moon from the USA, Newman's additional missed attempt was the deciding factor. The gold medal went to Nina Kennedy of Australia, who cleared 4.90 meters.
This achievement makes Newman the first Canadian pole vaulter to win an Olympic medal since William Halpenny’s bronze in the men's competition at the 1912 Stockholm Games. The only other Canadian pole vault medal before this was Edward Archibald's bronze in 1908.
Newman’s success is also part of a broader positive trend for Canadian athletics, with Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers securing gold medals in the hammer throw events earlier in the Games.
Reflecting on her journey, Newman acknowledged overcoming several injuries and setbacks, including a challenging experience at the Tokyo Games in 2021. She credited her resilience and the support she received, including her father's advice, for her ability to perform under pressure. Her consistent performance throughout the season and mental toughness have been crucial to her success.
In her final attempt, Newman employed a new strategy, using a fresh pole and repeating the word "courage" to herself. This approach paid off, leading to her historic jump and an emotional celebration.
