Olympian Alysha Newman has been sidelined due to a violation, resulting in her suspension from the sport where she is a leading figure.
The Canadian pole vaulter and adult content creator has been temporarily suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit. This provisional suspension means she will not be able to compete until a final determination is made at a hearing by the Unit.
Newman, who secured gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and later bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, reportedly did not attend three doping tests within a 12-month period, thus breaching the AIU’s anti-doping whereabouts regulations.
The specific dates of the missed tests were not disclosed. Athletes are required to provide their location details for testing, and failure to do so, or being unavailable for testing, counts as a missed test.
Typically, athletes must update their whereabouts using a mobile app and allocate a one-hour window for anti-doping tests. They commonly provide their overnight location, and even minor errors or delayed updates can lead to filing failures.
In light of Newman’s suspension, Athletics Canada issued a statement saying: “This is an unfortunate situation and Athletics Canada hopes to see Alysha Newman back as part of our National Team Program when she is eligible.”
The 31-year-old sparked discussions during the 2024 Paris Olympics by celebrating with a twerk after winning a medal with a jump of 4.85 meters.
The athlete, who is also active on OnlyFans, shared in 2022 that she was taking control of her image by starting her OnlyFans account. She mentioned that she had been objectified ever since she began pole vaulting due to her athletic attire.
In her conversation with Daily Mail Sport, she expressed: “If I showed up in full leggings and a sports bra that covered my stomach, people would still sexualise me. I mean, it just never stops.”
“When I decided to launch OnlyFans, it was really important for me to be a part of something I could control.”
With the current suspension, her focus may shift more toward her role as an adult content creator until the hearing and decision by the Athletics Integrity Unit, as reported by the Toronto Sun.
The 31-year-old addressed the suspension on Instagram, stating: “[I’ve] never taken any enhanced drugs, I’ve never taken steroids, and the point of this suspension is simply a missed failure test of the whereabouts.”
“… I’ve never missed three in a calendar year since I’ve been 16 years old. So, I fell short this year, we’re in the process, we’re going to figure it out, and I will see you guys back on the track.”
“I will continue to be a clean athlete in this sport, and I’m honored to be Canadian to represent Canada at the highest level.”