Alisha Newman: A Journey from Olympian to Influencer

Canadian Olympic pole vaulter Alisha Newman made headlines at last summer’s Paris Games. Her celebratory dance, after clinching a bronze medal, sparked quite a buzz.

Newman cleared an impressive 4.85 meters, marking the first Olympic medal of her career. Now, she’s stepped into the role of a model and influencer, sharing her insights for those looking to follow similar paths.

She reminisced about her childhood experiences that shaped her perspectives today. Reflecting on a pivotal moment, she recalled a time in elementary school when she answered a question correctly but didn’t use the method her teacher preferred. “I didn’t receive a gold star for my efforts while others did, and that stuck with me,” Newman shared. “So, during recess, I took matters into my own hands. I went into her desk, grabbed a gold star, and placed it on a piece of paper myself. It’s interesting how we often wait for validation from others, instead of recognizing our own achievements.”

Newman emphasized the importance of self-confidence over seeking approval from others. “My advice? Don’t wait for someone else to validate you. Instead, recognize your worth and give yourself that gold star!” she said.

She has formed partnerships with well-known brands, including Nike, and boasts nearly 1 million followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Reflecting on her journey, Newman recalled being told she had to choose between her athletic career and modeling. “But in my experience, those paths have intertwined beautifully,” she mentioned.

Highlighting her achievements, she noted her recent performance where she cleared 4.60 meters in her final meet as a Hurricane, setting multiple records in the process. This achievement positioned her fourth in the world rankings.