‘I became bulletproof’: How a change of approach led Alysha Newman to historic Olympic pole vault bronze

Alysha Newman, the Canadian pole vaulter, faced numerous challenges in the lead-up to her historic Olympic bronze medal win in Paris last summer. Just a month before the competition, she strained her deltoid muscle, had her basement flooded, and even got sprayed by a skunk while protecting her dog in her backyard. This was on top of her previous injury, tearing four ligaments in her right ankle during the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Scotland.

Despite these setbacks, Newman stayed focused and determined to excel at the Olympics. She worked with a sports psychologist to strengthen her mental resilience and maintain a positive mindset. This mental fortitude proved to be crucial as she prepared for her third Summer Games.

Newman’s journey to the podium in Paris was filled with challenges, but she drew strength from her past successes in the city. The purple track at Stade de France held special significance for her, and she used this positive association to overcome any negativity.

On August 7, Newman made history by winning Canada’s first-ever Olympic medal in women’s pole vault. Her jump of 4.85m secured the bronze medal and fulfilled a 30-year dream. Despite not being emotional at the time, Newman has since reflected on the significance of her achievement and the hard work it took to get there.

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Newman has faced criticism for her involvement in OnlyFans, a subscription-based platform. Initially intended to provide a behind-the-scenes look at her life as an Olympic athlete, Newman has found success and support from fans on the platform. She remains focused on her goals and is determined to continue competing at the highest level.

Looking ahead, Newman has ambitious plans for the future. She is working on a passion project to build the Bolton High Performance Athletics Centre near her home in Caledon, Ontario. This center would provide support for high-performance athletes and grassroots development in track and field, with the aim of nurturing the next generation of Canadian athletes.

As she sets her sights on future Olympic Games, including Los Angeles 2028, Newman remains determined to push boundaries and inspire others with her resilience and dedication to her sport. Her journey is a testament to the power of mental strength and determination in the face of adversity.