Alysha Newman Defends Twerking Celebration at Olympics

Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman became a viral sensation at the Paris 2024 Olympics after performing a playful twerk following her bronze medal win, where she cleared 4.85 meters. Newman clarified that her celebration was not specifically in response to the medal, as she was unaware she had secured it at the time, since another athlete still had a chance to surpass her. Instead, she explained that the twerk was part of her long-standing tradition of celebrating personal achievements, having always danced or backflipped after setting new Canadian records. Additionally, she aimed to lighten the mood for her coaches, who often appeared serious, given her history of injuries. Despite mixed reactions to her celebration, Newman remains unfazed by criticism, attributing her resilience to her upbringing and mental strength. This moment marked a significant milestone, making her the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic medal in pole vaulting.