Why was Olympic pole vaulter Alysha Newman banned for 20 months?

The Violation

Alysha Newman received a 20-month ban from competition after being unavailable for three unannounced doping control sessions. Under anti-doping rules, three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period constitute a violation. Newman missed tests in February 2025 and twice more in August 2025. After the third incident, she told a sample collection official she had to leave immediately to participate in filming for a television game show.

Reduced Punishment

Newman's ban is shorter than the standard two-year penalty for whereabouts violations. The Athletics Integrity Unit reduced the suspension to 20 months because the governing body accepted that Newman had decided to end her pole vaulting career. The AIU determined this was a sufficiently unique and exceptional factor that warranted a reduced penalty.

Career Status

Newman's last competition was at Diamond League meetings in May 2025. Her 20-month suspension expires in August 2027, giving her until that date to decide whether she will continue her track and field career. As of May 2026, she has not made an official announcement about retirement.

Context

Newman gained significant attention after her R-rated twerking celebration when she won bronze in pole vault at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has also become known for maintaining an OnlyFans account and pursuing modeling opportunities, including a recent Victoria's Secret Fashion Show audition.