Alisha Newman Suspended for Anti-Doping Violation
Alisha Newman, a Canadian pole vaulter and OnlyFans creator, has received an interim suspension from Athletics Canada due to a breach of anti-doping rules involving failure to provide whereabouts information.
On Wednesday, Athletics Canada confirmed the suspension, which comes nearly two years after her well-publicized twerking celebration for winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“While Athletics Canada regularly informs athletes about the requirements for declaring their locations, it’s ultimately up to the athletes to ensure they provide timely updates,” the organization stated.
This situation is unfortunate, and Athletics Canada is hopeful that Newman will be able to return to the national team once she is eligible again.
Newman’s suspension appears on the Athletics Integrity Unit website, categorized as “Missing (Article 2.4).” According to the World Anti-Doping Agency, this article indicates a violation concerning the availability of out-of-competition testing, including failure to provide necessary location information.
She cannot compete until a hearing is conducted, ultimately leading to a final decision from the athletics integrity department.
In response to the news, Newman, 31, who first competed in the Olympics back in 2016 in Rio, shared an Instagram video addressing the matter. She emphasized, “I have never taken enhancement drugs or steroids; this suspension is only for failing to provide location information.”
She added, “I’ve missed no more than three tests in a calendar year since I was 16. This year didn’t see anything close to that, but we’re working through it, and I’ll see you all back on the track. I remain committed to being a clean athlete and take pride in representing Canada at the highest level.”
Newman made history by being the first Canadian woman to medal in pole vault at the Summer Olympics. She also joined OnlyFans in 2021, providing supporters with a unique glimpse into her Olympic journey during the Tokyo Games.
