Alysha Newman Makes Olympic Debut in Rio
RIO DE JANEIRO – Alysha Newman always dreamed of becoming an Olympian and that dream became a reality on Tuesday as she competed in the women’s pole vault at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The University of Miami alumna was among 36 competitors in action at Olympic Stadium in Rio. Newman, who placed 17th overall with a mark of 4.45m, was one of 18 athletes vaulting in Group B of the women’s pole vault qualifications.
Newman’s Olympic competition began at 4.30m, electing to pass at the opening height of 4.15m. The Delaware, Ont., native cleared the bar on her first attempt at 4.30m and did the same at 4.45m. Newman failed to clear 4.55m and did not advance to Friday’s final, finishing ninth in Group B
The Canadian Senior National record holder at 4.61m, Newman clinched her spot in Rio by winning the Canadian championship. Her mark of 4.40m at the 2016 Canadian Championships broke Stephanie McCann’s Canadian championship record of 4.35m that had stood since 2002.
“This has been a dream of mine since I was little,” Newman said upon being names to Team Canada in July. “To be able to make the Olympic Team by winning my first Canadian senior title and setting a meet record is better than I could have dreamed. I’m so excited to represent my country on the biggest stage and make everyone proud!”
A First Team All-American in 2016, Newman was the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Championship runner-up and the 2016 ACC Outdoor Champion. She shattered every pole vault record in Miami history, holding the women’s pole vault school records in both indoor (4.50m) and outdoor (4.60m) track and field. Newman is the ninth Hurricanes track and field student-athlete in program history to earn a trip to the Olympics.
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