Alysha Newman Tabbed for Commonwealth Games

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Miami pole vaulter Alysha Newman was selected to represent Canada at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

A native of Delaware, Ontario, Newman was one of 50 athletes nominated by Athletics Canada to represent Canada in the Commonwealth Games.

The 19-year-old is one of the youngest competitors representing Canada and was chosen, despite narrowly missing the Senior standard of 4.55m, because she has the second best jump of 4.41m in the Commonwealth this year. 

“One of my goals this season was to jump high enough to qualify myself for the Commonwealth Games,” Newman said. “While I haven’t hit the standard, yet, I am honored that Athletics Canada chose me to represent Canada at the Games.”

Newman qualified for the 2014 NCAA Outdoor Championship and will represent the Hurricanes when she competes on June 13 at 6:15 p.m. ET. The sophomore is currently ranked #4 in the NCAA and #17 in the IAAF World rankings.

“I know I have bigger bars in me and I hope to compete well at NCAAs and at the Canadian Senior Championships to prepare myself to medal for Canada at the Games,” Newman said. “I want to give a big thank you to Athletics Canada, my coaches and teammates at Miami and my family for their continued support.”

The 2014 Commonwealth Games take place in Glasgow, Scotland July 23 to August 3 and will be the largest ever multi-sport event held on Scottish soil. Athletics competition at the Commonwealth Games will take place at Hampden Park Stadium July 27 through August 2.

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