AceShowbiz - Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman speaks out after going viral with her twerking celebration following her historic bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The 30-year-old athlete explained that she wanted to prank her coaches, who have always been intense and serious about her training, by pretending to fake an injury before breaking out into an impromptu dance.

"I'm always injured, and I'm always getting back on the horse," Newman shared with CBC Sports. "So I said I'm gonna scare my coaches because I want them to lighten up. There's photos of them being really serious and I could feel them [being] really intense."

Newman's celebratory move, which she hadn't premeditated, involved her squatting and thrusting her hips - a dance known as twerking. This unexpected spectacle came after she cleared 4.85 meters, setting a Canadian record in the process, during the Women's Pole Vault Final on August 7, 2024, at the Stade de France.

The reaction from viewers was mixed, with some delighted by her playful celebration and others disapproving of the act. On one social media post, a naysayer commented, "Olympic athletes used to be considered heroes and a source of national pride. This is just gross." Meanwhile, a supporter posted, "Alysha has the right to celebrate in any way she wants."

Addressing the criticism, Newman emphasized that she doesn't let it affect her. "My friends, my family, my coaches, my agents - if they said something mean, I would take it more [personally]," she explained. "But people that I don't know, I have a very good mind, I'm very strong mentally, that it just kind of rolls off my shoulders."

Aside from her athletic pursuits, Newman is also a model on OnlyFans, where she shares training sessions, nutrition tips, and personal insights, rather than explicit content. She expressed that the platform boosts her confidence and serves as an additional income source.

Newman's journey to this landmark involves overcoming numerous injuries but consistently proving her talent and resilience. "I'm injured constantly but I never give up. I never stop," Newman said, according to Athlon Sports. "I know I'm one of the best in the world and tonight I proved that."

In her post-event reflections, Newman acknowledged the significance of her accomplishment for Canadian female pole vaulters and remarked on her aim to inspire young athletes in the sport. Team Canada's Instagram celebrated her achievement with a caption, "Continue to raise the bar."

Newman's bronze medal win, marking the first-ever for Canada in women's pole vaulting, came behind Australia's Nina Kennedy, who took gold, and Team USA's Katie Moon, who claimed silver, both clearing the same height but with fewer missed attempts.

The 2024 Paris Olympics, which began with a grand outdoor opening ceremony on the River Seine featuring performances by international stars like Celine Dion, is set to conclude on Sunday, August 11. As the events wrap up, Newman's blend of athletic expertise and unique personality undoubtedly leaves a memorable imprint on the Games.