- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 10 Aug, 2024
Alysha Newman's Vibrant Celebration After Olympic Triumph
In a moment that will be remembered in Canadian sports history, pole vaulter Alysha Newman made headlines for more than just her athletic prowess. After securing the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Newman's celebratory twerking took the internet by storm, prompting both praise and criticism. But for Newman, this spontaneous dance was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to her enduring spirit and a playful nod to her coaches.
A Playful Prank on Coaches
With an infectious smile, the 30-year-old Olympian revealed her intentions behind the viral moment. 'I’m always injured, and I’m always getting back on the horse so I said I’m gonna scare my coaches because I want them to lighten up,' Newman said. The photos capturing her coaches' intense focus during her performance made her decision even more poignant. 'There are photos of them being really serious and I could feel them [being] really intense. I mean, they’ve built me into becoming an Olympic medalist and not a lot of coaches can say that,' she added.
Newman's prank, which she described as a plan to fake an injury and then transition into a dance, materialized more fluidly than even she anticipated. 'I didn’t honestly think, “I’m going to twerk.” But just from grabbing that and getting to the knee with the twerk, it just all worked out in one,' she confessed. This moment not only showcased her whimsical side but also highlighted the deep bond and respect she shares with her coaching team.
Unfazed by Criticism
Critics swiftly took to social media to voice their opinions on Newman’s dance celebration, with many questioning its appropriateness at such a prestigious event. However, the pole vaulter remained unbothered by the backlash. 'My friends, my family, my coaches, my agents – if they said something mean, I would take it more [personally],' she told CBC Sports. 'But people that I don’t know, I have a very good mind, I’m very strong mentally, that it just kind of rolls off my shoulders and no one understands what it’s like to be in my shoes.'
Newman emphasized her strength and resilience, attributes that have carried her through a career punctuated by injuries and comebacks. For her, the opinions of those who understand her journey hold the most weight, and the voices of strangers hardly make a dent in her confidence.
More Than an Athlete
While many Olympians project a singular focus on their sport, Newman has always been a multifaceted individual with diverse interests. Her social media presence, which includes training posts, bikini photos, and glimpses into her various endeavors, underscores her commitment to authenticity. 'I want people to understand what I do, and that it’s not always going to be about pole vault,' she said.
Looking beyond the track, Newman envisions a future where she leverages her platform and skills to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. 'I’m going to go on and I’m gonna be an entrepreneur on something else, I’m gonna run my own business and one day I want to be a multimillionaire. So, at this time in my life, this year, I was a full-blown track athlete, but two months from now? Hey, I might be a millionaire.'
A Unique Journey on OnlyFans
Newman’s journey took another unique turn when she began her OnlyFans account. Speaking to German outlet BILD, she discussed her motivations and the content she shares on the platform. 'It makes me confident and I feel good about it,' she explained, clarifying that her content is far from explicit. Instead, her posts include a blend of training sessions, nutritional advice, and various tips and tricks.
For Newman, OnlyFans isn’t just a source of revenue; it’s a way to connect with her audience on a deeper level and share insights into her rigorous training and personal philosophies. This approach has resonated with many, offering a more holistic view of her life beyond the pole vault pit.
Canada’s First-Ever Medal in Women's Pole Vault
Newman’s historic bronze medal win is a landmark achievement for Canada, marking the nation's first-ever medal in the women’s pole vault event. Clearing 4.85 meters during the final, she not only secured a spot on the podium but also set a new Canadian record. Despite tying with Team USA’s Katie Moon in terms of height, Newman’s additional missed attempt placed her third, behind Moon’s silver.
Australia’s Nina Kennedy clinched the gold with a remarkable 4.9 meter jump, making the competition stiff and thrilling. Newman’s accomplishment is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the unwavering support of her coaching team.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 Paris Olympics come to a close, Alysha Newman’s journey leaves a lasting impression on fans and fellow athletes alike. Her ability to juggle a vigorous training regimen with personal interests and entrepreneurial aspirations sets her apart as a modern athlete. The twerking celebration, while unexpected, encapsulates Newman’s philosophy – to live authentically and to embrace each moment with joy and spontaneity.
Looking ahead, Newman is poised to continue breaking barriers, both on and off the field. Whether she's setting records, launching businesses, or inspiring through her OnlyFans content, Alysha Newman’s story is a powerful reminder that athletes are multifaceted individuals with stories that extend far beyond their sport.
Cara McKinzie
August 10, 2024 AT 21:02Wow, that twerk was sooo overkil, totally cringey.
Joseph Conlon
September 3, 2024 AT 00:36Seeing Alysha Newman twerk after the podium, I’m reminded that athletes have a right to express joy in whatever form feels authentic to them.
The idea that a single dance move could eclipse a historic bronze medal is, frankly, a distraction manufactured by those hungry for controversy.
While some claim it undermines the dignity of the Games, the very essence of sport is human emotion, not sterile rigidity.
Newman's decision to prank her coaches, as she explained, was a spontaneous celebration rooted in the long‑term partnership she’s cultivated with them.
That partnership, built on trust and mutual respect, deserves recognition far beyond a fleeting internet meme.
Moreover, the physical toll of pole‑vaulting, with its constant injuries and recoveries, makes any moment of unbridled happiness all the more precious.
The fact that she turned a potential injury simulation into a jubilant dance showcases both mental resilience and creative spontaneity.
Critics who rush to moralize often ignore the broader context of an athlete’s personal narrative, reducing a complex individual to a single caricature.
In this case, the narrative includes years of perseverance, countless setbacks, and finally a podium finish that made Canadian history.
If we strip away the sensationalized headlines, we see a story of empowerment, where an athlete claims ownership over her celebration.
The backlash, while loud, is ultimately a side‑effect of visibility, and visibility is a double‑edged sword for anyone in the public eye.
It is also worth noting that social media platforms amplify both praise and criticism in equal measure, creating a feedback loop that can feel overwhelming.
Yet Newman’s response-stating that strangers’ opinions roll off her shoulders-demonstrates a psychological fortitude that is often underappreciated.
From a cultural standpoint, the intersection of sport and personal branding is evolving, and moments like this push the conversation forward.
Whether one views the twerk as frivolous or inspiring, it undeniably sparked a dialogue about athlete agency and the limits of decorum.
In the end, the medal remains, the record stands, and the memory of that spontaneous celebration will likely endure longer than any fleeting tweet.
Mohit Singh
September 26, 2024 AT 04:09I get why some folks drag their heels about the whole twerk thing, but honestly the drama is overblown.
The move was a personal choice, not an affront, so maybe tone it down a notch.
Still, the media loves to sensationalize even the tiniest ripple, and that feeds the noise.
Damian Liszkiewicz
October 19, 2024 AT 07:42Let's remember that behind every viral moment is a human being with feelings and goals. 😊
Celebrations can be quirky, and they often bring a smile to people who need a break from the seriousness of competition. 🌟
In Alysha's case, the twerk was a light‑hearted nod to her coaches, showing trust and camaraderie.
We can appreciate the skill that got her a historic medal while also enjoying a little dance.
Angela Arribas
November 11, 2024 AT 11:16Newman’s interview contains a glaring misuse of “its” where “it’s” was required – a classic case of sloppy editing. 🙄
Beyond that, promoting a “celebratory” dance at an Olympic ceremony borders on disrespecting tradition, which is morally questionable. 🙁
Sienna Ficken
December 4, 2024 AT 14:49Oh, the twerk-what a groundbreaking pivot from pole‑vaulting to pole‑dancing, truly the pinnacle of athletic innovation. 😏
One might say it's a dazzling display of confidence, or just a moment that proves athletes can multi‑task their flamboyance with their feats.
Zac Death
December 27, 2024 AT 18:22Seeing an athlete celebrate in a way that feels true to them is refreshing, especially after months of grueling training.
It reminds us that sports aren’t just about medals, but also about personal joy and the human spirit.
We should champion that enthusiasm while still respecting the stage we’re on.
Let’s keep cheering both the records and the personalities behind them.
In the end, a twerk or a victory lap both tell a story of perseverance.