Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman, who earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, shared her thoughts with CBC Sports. In the interview, she reflected on her Olympic journey and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman’s journey to winning a historic Olympic bronze medal in Paris was far from smooth. From injuries to unexpected mishaps, the 30-year-old athlete overcame a series of challenges with grit, determination, and a transformative mindset.
A month before her triumph, Newman strained her deltoid muscle while her home was inundated by a basement flood. If that wasn’t enough, she had a close encounter with a skunk while protecting her dog. These incidents followed a 12-week recovery from a torn ankle ligament sustained just before the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Scotland.
Despite these obstacles, Newman focused on mental resilience. Seeking help from a sports psychologist, she reshaped her perspective, learning to silence negativity and focus on her connection between mind and body. "I felt like I had armour on, and negativity just bounced off me," Newman said.
Her newfound mental strength played a key role in her preparation for her third Summer Games. After underwhelming performances in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021, Newman was determined to seize her moment. In Paris, her persistence paid off when she secured Canada’s first-ever women’s pole vault Olympic medal with a jump of 4.85 meters. It was also the nation’s first Olympic medal in the sport since 1912.
Newman credited her mental fortitude and optimism for her historic achievement. “I walked into the stadium feeling like I belonged and left feeling like I was destined for that bronze,” she reflected. The medal symbolized not just athletic prowess but also years of unwavering dedication.
Away from the track, Newman also faces public scrutiny for her OnlyFans account, a subscription-based platform where she shares glimpses of her life as an athlete. Initially launched during the Tokyo Olympics as a 16-day experiment, the platform became an unexpected success. Newman amassed 45,000 subscribers within minutes and decided to continue sharing behind-the-scenes content. Despite criticism, she remains unapologetic, stating, “I have thick skin, and this is part of my journey.”
Newman also dreams of giving back to her sport. Alongside her coaches, she’s spearheading the development of the Bolton High-Performance Athletics Centre near her Ontario home. The facility aims to support high-performance athletes and grassroots talent, providing resources for the next generation to excel.
Looking ahead, Newman remains optimistic. With plans to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she is determined to push boundaries both on and off the field. Her inspiring journey from setbacks to success stands as a testament to resilience, focus, and a refusal to give up.
