Track and field has always been a sport powered by inherent capability, commitment, and blinding flashes of the future. But commitment and hard work are not enough; an athlete needs to have sponsors to help them fund their events, their regular expenses, and much more. Expenses of every sport are on the higher side, and athletes like Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek, and others have been vocal about the issue. Even more striking was when, at the US Olympic trials, 35 unsponsored athletes were decked out in all-black, logo-less gear, commanding attention to the fact that a majority of the track talents come unbranded, with no sponsors to back their future.

Athletes have been supported by apparel company Bandit Running’s Unsponsored Project to boost the up-and-coming competitors and challenge the standard sponsorship model. However, a certain someone took the road less travelled. A three-time Olympian refused to let financial barriers stand in her way, and she turned to OnlyFans to fund her Olympic ambitions. Using the platform, she not only supported herself but also managed to compete in two consecutive Olympic Games, redefining what it means to chase a dream against all odds. Any guesses about who we are talking to here?

From pole vaulting to building a unique fan connection

Alysha Newman is no stranger to pushing boundaries—both in her sport and off the field. Back in 2021, she took an unexpected leap by joining OnlyFans, a platform often associated with unfiltered and diverse content. The decision raised eyebrows in the athletic community, as Newman sought to explore unconventional ways of connecting with fans and monetizing her brand. Her move sparked conversations about athletes redefining their financial independence in a digital age, challenging traditional notions of sponsorship and fan engagement.

In episode 21 of the You Only Die Twice (YODT) podcast, Newman reflected on her journey from being an athlete to a content creator. When asked about why she chose OnlyFans (a content subscription service based in London). She laughed and said people often feel nervous to ask me. Continuing to answer the question, she said, “Because it was something that, again, my entrepreneurial skills—I was like, how can I benefit from a COVID Olympics?” She saw an opportunity to leverage her entrepreneurship skills to make the situation beneficial for both her and her fans.

The interviewer also asked if it was her idea, to which she replied, “Yes, completely. I actually posted it on Instagram, and my agents at the time called me and were like, ‘What are you doing?’ And I was like, ‘What do you mean, what am I doing? This is exactly what I want to do.’” That’s how her journey on OnlyFans started, as she took a bold and independent step despite initial pushback from her agents. What must be the exact reason behind this new passion?

Alysha Newman continued to answer the question and explained her idea, “So, for me, it was, ‘How do I get my fans to come to the Olympics with me?’ Because there was COVID, there were no ticket sales; there was no nothing. I was like, ‘Can I share my experience and do a little vlog style, getting paid while I’m there?’” During the COVID pandemic, when restrictions were all over, Newman took it as an opportunity and made her new identity. Hence, she shared her experience and even got paid.

“Well, with the COVID Olympics, I said, ‘Perfect. People already se—–ze me in a sport, so I fit the brand of OnlyFans.’ And then, secondly, I wanted to make money because going into the Olympics, there weren’t many sponsors around. It was 2021, and no one knew what was happening,” Newman said. With that, she started to bridge the gap between an athlete and her fans while getting paid. With no in-person audience, she sought a way to share her Olympic experience and show her fans the Olympic Village through virtual mode.

Newman turned heads on the biggest stages

Alysha Newman has a knack for capturing attention both on and off the field. She named the Canadian team for the 2020 Summer Olympics, which was postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19. But sometimes fate is not on your side, and she failed to take off in all three of her attempts in the qualification rounds themselves. How, you may ask?

Newman slipped in the shower of her hotel room while attending the 2021 Drake Relays and suffered a concussion. Though she did her best, she continued training due to her commercial agreements. But things didn’t turn out well. But as they say, a sportsperson can never sit back and always come back with a bang.

After recovery, Newman proved herself and found success at the 2023 World Athletics Indoor Tour and won the vault series with a 4.78m clearance. As the Olympic victory was due, she won a bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics and set a new Canadian national record.

Securing a bronze medal, Newman celebrated the moment in a way that went viral—by twerking on the podium, much to the delight of fans and media alike. As she pretended to be injured during the competition, she explained, “I’m always injured, and I’m always getting back on the horse, so I decided to scare my coaches to make them lighten up.” What are your thoughts on Newman’s journey on and off the track? Do share with us through the comments.