Alysha Newman is soaring to new heights, and this time, it’s far from the pole vault pit. The Canadian Olympic bronze medalist, who captured the world’s attention with her record-breaking performance and viral celebration in Paris, is now commanding the spotlight in a powerful and revealing feature with Maxim magazine.
This bold photo shoot marks a triumphant, full-circle moment for the athlete, proving she refuses to be confined to a single box.
Newman, dubbed the “Pole Vault Queen,” made history at the 2024 Summer Games by winning Canada’s first pole vaulting medal in over a century. Her celebration—an exuberant twerk on the global stage—instantly went viral, amplifying her status as a dynamic and unapologetic force in sports.
Now, she’s translating that same confidence
The Maxim feature showcases Newman in a series of striking and vibrant poses. The visuals are a direct reflection of her dynamic spirit, blending athleticism with high fashion and allure. In a powerful statement, the magazine hailed her as a “force of athleticism and allure” who is “raising the bar in every sense of the word.”
For Newman, this opportunity is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, one that she was once told she had to abandon for her athletic career.
“I believed them and chose athletics. I poured my heart and soul into it,” Newman revealed in her interview with 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.”
This sentiment underscores a significant shift in the world of professional sports. Newman is at the forefront of a new generation of athletes who are confidently embracing their multifaceted identities, refusing to choose between being a world-class competitor and a public personality.
Her massive social media presence, with nearly one million followers on Instagram, is a testament to her success in connecting with fans on and off the field.
Beyond the glamour, Newman’s focus remains on the profound experience of her Olympic achievement. She shared that the physical medal was just a symbol of a much deeper magic.
“The truth is, the medal itself is only a moment,” Newman explained. “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.”
She also highlighted the national pride she felt, stating, “And then, standing on the podium, I felt the other side of it: the pride of being Canadian. To know I had become the first woman from my country ever to medal in pole vault was humbling.”
Alysha Newman’s journey—from an Olympic podium to a coveted magazine cover—is more than just a personal victory. It’s a powerful message of empowerment. She is inspiring a new generation to pursue all of their passions without apology, proving that you can be a record-breaking athlete and a confident model, all on your own terms.
