Canadian Pole Vaulter Alysha Newman Reveals Why She Twerked After Winning Bronze Medal At Paris Olympics

Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman’s bronze medal performance at the Paris Olympics was overshadowed by her post-vault celebration, which catapulted her into the spotlight and brought unexpected benefits.

Newman, 30, broke the Canadian record with a vault of 4.85 meters, securing third place in the women’s pole vault competition. However, it was her impromptu twerking that captured global attention and overshadowed the gold and silver medalists.

Newman clarified the motivation behind her viral moment. “Many people assume I danced because of the bronze medal, but I didn’t even know I had secured it at that point,” she told the New York Post. Newman revealed that her celebration was a spontaneous reaction to breaking the national record, a personal tradition she has maintained throughout her career.

The athlete’s dance, widely described as “twerking,” was accompanied by a theatrical gesture mimicking a hamstring injury. Newman disclosed that this was a deliberate nod to her critics who have frequently cited her injury history as a barrier to success.

“The fake injury was more planned than the dance itself,” Newman said, adding that she found humor in the situation. “I’m amused because it allowed people to see a different side of me.”

The viral moment has resulted in a significant boost to Newman’s public profile, bringing her thousands of new fans and increased financial opportunities. She has since capitalized on her newfound fame by expanding her presence on social media platforms.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, Newman remains focused on her athletic career. At 30, she has already set her sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, demonstrating her commitment to the sport.