Canadian Pole Vaulter’s Twerking Celebration at Paris 2024 Draws Mixed Reactions from Fans and Media
Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman found herself at the center of controversy after celebrating her historic bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a twerking display that quickly went viral. Newman, who became the first Canadian woman to medal in the event by clearing 4.85 meters, was all smiles as she performed the dance move for the crowd and cameras. However, the celebratory moment drew mixed reactions from the public.
While some fans praised Newman’s exuberance and defended her right to enjoy her achievement, others criticized the celebration as inappropriate, with some speculating that it was 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, while another added, “I saw that and thought it was inappropriate.”
On the other side of the debate, supporters of Newman pushed back against the criticism. “These comments are miserable, let someone who’s worked hard for 4 years have fun. Y’all sitting on the couch getting closer to type 2 diabetes every day,” one fan wrote in defense of the athlete.
Newman, who has previously been open about her decision to join OnlyFans, discussed her online platform with the German outlet BILD following her Olympic success. “I earn money with what I post — you have to log in to find out. It makes me confident and I feel good about it,” she explained, clarifying that while she does not post fully nude content, she shares a variety of material including training sessions, nutrition advice, and personal insights.
The Olympian charges approximately $13 per month for access to her content, with a temporary reduction to $7 during the Olympic Games. Despite the divided opinions on her post-medal celebration, Newman remains focused on her career, both on and off the track, embracing the confidence and empowerment she derives from her multifaceted public presence.
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