Canada has been buzzing with excitement as Alysha Newman finally stepped onto the Olympic podium at the Paris 2024 Games, where she claimed the bronze medal in women's pole vault. This achievement is significant—not just personally for Newman, but also historically, as she becomes the first Canadian woman to win any Olympic medal in this event.
Newman's triumph came after years of dedication and resilience, culminating at Stade de France, where she cleared 4.85 meters, setting a new Canadian record along the way. The performance was nothing short of spectacular; Newman admitted she didn’t know whether to cry or celebrate as she basked in the glory of her hard-earned medal.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Newman said, "This whole year, I’ve been leading up to this moment. It was so funny because I felt like I missed out in Tokyo, missed out in Rio. I just wasn’t at my best, personally, on and off the track. This year, I said, I’m going to put it all in one basket, and it worked out.”
At 30 years old, this was Newman’s third Olympic appearance, and she has faced her fair share of hurdles along the way. After participating in the Rio 2016 Olympics, she encountered challenges, including mental health struggles and injuries, which caused her to withdraw from the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships just months before the Olympics. Having to battle her own mind—she described her recovery as involving numerous EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy sessions—Newman managed to shift her focus solely onto her athletic pursuits for this Olympic run.
Newman’s path to success was not without its difficulties. After battling through many ups and downs, she reclaimed her spot as one of Canada’s top athletes. She entered the competition after already overcoming obstacles, and when the bar was set at 4.85m, she showed remarkable resilience. Although she missed her first attempt at this height, she later cleared it on her second attempt, sealing her place on the podium.
Australia’s Nina Kennedy took home the gold with a jump of 4.90m, and American Katie Moon won silver, also clearing 4.85m but with fewer misses, showcasing the intense competition. Despite Newman not clearing the subsequent height of 4.90m, her efforts were more than enough to secure her historic medal.
Newman's achievement is monumental. Canada has had previous pole vault medals, but those were all won by men—last recorded at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. His achievement has stirred national pride, especially as her victory marked the end of the long wait for women’s achievement in this field for Canada. The excitement is also palpable among younger athletes, who see Newman as not just a role model, but also as tangible evidence of what perseverance can achieve.
Prior to Newman's bronze medal, the previous highest placement for Canadian women at the Olympics was sixth place, achieved by Dana Ellis at Athens 2004. With this backdrop, Newman’s bronze is like planting the Canadian flag firmly on the Olympic podium, paving the way for future generations.
During her time on the podium, Newman shared the spotlight with her fellow competitors, each representing not only their respective countries but also embodying the spirit of competition, resilience, and sportsmanship. Her coach and support team were present, rooting her on, signifying the importance of community and encouragement when chasing dreams.
Newman's emotional reaction to her medal offers insights not just about triumph but also about the struggles athletes endure. Sharing her thoughts on mental health, she said, "There’s mental health, and there’s brain health. It took me time; my neurologist was there to support me; my coaches believed I could do it, and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
After winning, Newman expressed her desire for more. "Now I’m hungry for more. Bronze is cute, but silver and gold? I gotta get up there," she said, hinting at aspirations for future competitions and a drive to keep pushing boundaries. This triumphant moment at the Paris Games may be just the beginning of what could be even more historic conquests for the Canadian athlete.
Newman's performance at the Paris Games is being hailed as one of the highlights of the Canadian athletics program. This year has already shown promise for the country’s athletes, with notable performances across various events, including Ethan Katzberg's gold medal win at the men's hammer throw.
With the curtain still raised on the Paris 2024 Games, the excitement surrounding athletics will surely continue. The achievement of Alysha Newman serves as motivation for not just aspiring pole vaulters, but all athletes, highlighting how dedication, hard work, and resilience lead to success.
Canada has been waiting for over a century for this historic win. To witness it during the Paris 2024 Games, where dreams were chased and achieved under bright lights, is something fans will celebrate for years to come. Newman is certainly one athlete who, regardless of future results, has forever etched her name as the first Canadian woman to stand on the Olympic podium for pole vault.
For those who watched her performance, it was more than just another competition. It was about hope, determination, and the undeniable human spirit—making Newman's bronze medal not just another win, but also part of a greater narrative of triumph against adversity. The story of Alysha Newman is just beginning, and the future is bright for both her and the sport of pole vaulting within Canada.