Alysha Newman faces 20-month ban after missing three doping tests in 2025
Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman has been suspended from competition for 20 months after missing three drug tests in 2025. The ban, announced on 29 April by the Athletics Integrity Unit, marks her first anti-doping violation. Despite the setback, Newman had recently been invited to a casting call for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026.
Newman’s suspension stems from three missed drug tests within a 12-month period. The Athletics Integrity Unit confirmed the penalty on 29 April, ruling her ineligible until late 2026. This was her first recorded violation under anti-doping regulations.
Before the suspension, Newman had already made headlines in athletics. She won a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, solidifying her reputation as one of Canada’s top pole vaulters. In early 2026, she received an unexpected opportunity outside sport—a casting invitation for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Eager to pursue the chance, she relocated to Los Angeles to prepare. Those selected for the show would also secure an exclusive contract with IMG Models, one of the industry’s leading agencies.
The suspension means Newman will miss key competitions until her ban ends in late 2026. Her future in athletics remains uncertain, though her invitation to the Victoria’s Secret show suggests potential opportunities beyond the track. The decision from the Athletics Integrity Unit stands as final.
