Canadian Olympic pole vaulter Alysha Newman is proving that life after track can still be a runway to success. Just days after receiving a 20-month suspension from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for missed drug tests, the 31-year-old bronze medalist from the 2024 Summer Olympics announced she has landed a coveted casting call for Victoria's Secret.
Newman, who hails from Ontario, shared an exciting update with her followers on TikTok on May 5. In the video, she revealed she has "uprooted my entire life" to move to Los Angeles, signaling a major pivot from the pole vault pit to the world of high fashion. The timing is particularly striking, as it comes on the heels of a challenging chapter in her athletic career.
The AIU, which oversees anti-doping and misconduct in athletics, issued the suspension after Newman missed multiple drug tests. In her defense, she cited "a period of significant personal and professional change, which she described as increasingly disorganised and overwhelming." However, the suspension may have little impact on her future plans—Newman informed the AIU that she intends to end her athletics career.
For an athlete who soared to Olympic glory, this transition to the fashion world feels like a natural next step. The Victoria's Secret casting call opens a new door for Newman, blending her athletic poise with the confidence that has defined her public persona. As she trades her pole for the runway, fans can expect to see her bring the same determination that earned her a spot on the podium to the world of fashion.
