When Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman clinched bronze at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, she didn’t just make history, she went viral.
After securing Canada’s first Olympic medal in pole vault in 112 years, the 30-year-old athlete celebrated in her own unapologetic way: twerking on the Olympic stage, with the world watching.
The moment split opinion. Some fans praised her boldness, others criticized it. Newman had a simple response:
“I won’t stop creating content,” she told her critics.
Now, just weeks after her viral celebration, Newman has landed the cover of Maxim magazine — blending her athletic dominance with a lifelong passion for modeling.
Making History in Paris
On August 7, 2024, Newman soared to new heights at the Stade de France, clearing the bar to earn a bronze medal in the women’s pole vault final.
It was more than just a podium finish — it was a national milestone. No Canadian had ever medaled in women’s pole vault, and no athlete from the country had won in the event since 1912.
Newman later reflected on what the medal meant:
“The truth is, the medal itself is only a moment. For me, the real magic wasn’t even the medal. It was the feeling of being in the zone, completely present and giving everything I had. And then, standing on the podium, I felt the pride of being Canadian.”
From “Pole Vault Queen” to Maxim Star
Dubbed the “Pole Vault Queen” by her fans, Newman is quickly becoming more than just an athlete.
Her Maxim cover represents a full-circle dream realized.
“Olympian. Record-breaker. Model,” Maxim teased in its announcement. “Alysha Newman proves she’s built different, whether she’s flying over the pole vault bar or owning the camera.”
For Newman, it’s a moment she once thought impossible.
“I was told I had to choose between athletics and modeling. I believed them and chose athletics. I poured my heart and soul into it,” she told Maxim.
“And now, I’m living a full-circle moment. I grew up dreaming of being in Maxim. To be featured now feels surreal and humbling. Honestly, I’m so happy with my life.”
Balancing Sport, Style, and Social Media
Newman has been open about her love of content creation, from sharing behind-the-scenes training clips to modeling shoots. Her twerking celebration at the Olympics was more than just a spur-of-the-moment move — it was a statement that she refuses to separate her identities as an athlete and entertainer.
That dual career is unusual in the world of track and field, where many athletes struggle to balance sponsorships, image, and competition. For Newman, though, both worlds feed each other.
Her Instagram, where she shares training footage, modeling shots, and motivational messages, has surged in followers since Paris — boosting her influence as both a competitor and creator.
Why Alysha Newman’s Story Resonates
Newman’s rise reflects a broader shift in sports culture, where athletes are no longer confined to their arenas. From Simone Biles’ mental health advocacy to Sha’Carri Richardson’s unapologetic personality, stars are reshaping what it means to be an athlete in the public eye.
For Newman, the message is simple: being both a medal-winning Olympian and a magazine cover star isn’t contradictory — it’s complementary.
The Bottom Line
Alysha Newman made history in Paris with a bronze medal in pole vault. She went viral with a twerking celebration that captured headlines worldwide. Now she’s gracing the cover of Maxim, embracing the life she once thought she couldn’t have.
She’s not just raising the bar — she’s proving she can fly over it, on the track and beyond.
