Canadian Pole Vaulter Alysha Newman Sparks Debate With Viral Twerking Celebration After Olympic Bronze Medal Win
Canadian pole vaulter and OnlyFans content creator Alysha Newman set the internet abuzz Wednesday after she celebrated her Olympic bronze medal with an unexpected twerking display.
The 30-year-old athlete from Delaware, Ontario, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by clearing 4.85 meters in the pole vault, earning her the bronze medal and becoming the first Canadian woman to medal in the event. Her achievement was widely celebrated, but it was her celebratory dance that divided opinions online.
Moments after her record-setting performance, Newman turned toward the crowd and cameras, shaking her hips with a beaming smile. The celebratory twerk quickly went viral, sparking debate over whether the move was a lighthearted celebration or an attempt to promote her OnlyFans account.
“Olympic athletes used to be considered heroes and a source of national pride. This is just gross,” one social media user commented under a video of Newman’s dance.
Despite the criticism, many rushed to Newman’s defense, emphasizing the importance of athletes enjoying their moments of triumph.
“These comments are miserable. Let someone who’s worked hard for four years have fun. Y’all sitting on the couch getting closer to type 2 diabetes every day,” one supporter wrote.
Another added, “Alysha has the right to celebrate in any way she wants.”
Newman, who charges £10 ($12.70) per month for access to her adult-only content on OnlyFans, isn’t the only Olympian exploring the platform. British diver Jack Laugher, who is also competing in the Paris 2024 Games, charges $10 per month for his content. The 29-year-old athlete told *The Telegraph* that the platform helps supplement his income, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by competitive athletes.
“Obviously, I’ve got what people want,” Laugher said. “I’m a bit of a hustler and I want a bit more money if I can.”
Other British divers, including Noah Williams, 24, Daniel Goodfellow, 27, and Matty Lee, 26, have also joined OnlyFans, sharing similar non-explicit content. The platform has even been a lifeline for retired Olympians like short-track speed skater Elise Christie, who credits OnlyFans with helping her recover from a difficult period after her retirement.
Christie, who does not share X-rated content, explained, “I went from being someone who won medals under a system to then having absolutely nothing and just being dropped out and left to understand life… [OnlyFans] brought me back from a really dark place.”
As the debate over athletes’ use of OnlyFans continues, Newman’s twerking celebration has undoubtedly left a lasting impression, sparking conversation on the evolving landscape of sports and social media.
