Anicka Newell: Canada’s Resilient Pole Vault Star

Anicka Newell (born August 5, 1993, in Denton, Texas) is a Canadian-American pole vaulter renowned for her technical precision, resilience, and historic achievements in track and field. A dual citizen, Newell represents Canada internationally, inspired by her maternal heritage and grandmother’s roots in Saskatoon. Standing at 1.75 meters (5’9″) and coached by Keith Herston, she holds the second-highest pole vault mark in Canadian history (4.70m) and has competed in three Olympic Games (2016, 2020, 2024).

Early Life and Transition to Pole Vault

Newell began her athletic journey as a gymnast, training from age two until a back injury at 14 ended her career. At 16, her high school track coach recognized her potential in pole vaulting, leveraging her gymnastics-driven aerial awareness and strength. Despite limited coaching resources in New Mexico, she attended camps in Texas, where she met mentor Brookelyn Dickson, later a key figure in her collegiate career.

Key Early Milestones:

• 2009 New Mexico State Champion: Cleared 2.98m (9’9″) as a high school sophomore.

• Collegiate Recruitment: Joined Texas State University, majoring in Exercise Sports Science with a minor in Nutrition.

Collegiate Dominance at Texas State University

Newell became a standout athlete for the Texas State Bobcats, setting records and earning national recognition:

• Sun Belt Conference Titles: Won back-to-back outdoor championships (2014, 2015), setting a conference record of 4.28m (14’1″) in 2015.

• All-American Honors: Earned honorable mention at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

• Program Legacy: Helped elevate Texas State’s track program with consistent podium finishes.

Professional Career and International Achievements

Olympic Journey

• Rio 2016: Made her Olympic debut, finishing 29th (4.15m). Despite nerves, the experience fueled her determination to refine mental resilience.

• Tokyo 2020: Cleared 4.55m in qualifying, tying for first, but recorded no height in the final.

• Paris 2024: Competed in her third Olympics, showcasing longevity in the sport.

Global Championships

• World Athletics Championships:

  • 2017 London: 12th (4.45m).

  • 2022 Eugene: 9th (4.52m), a career-best at Worlds.

  • 2023 Budapest: 24th (4.35m).

• Commonwealth Games:

  • 2018 Gold Coast: 7th (4.30m).

  • 2022 Birmingham: 5th (4.35m).

National Dominance

• Canadian Championships: Gold medalist (2018) and consistent podium finisher.

• Historic Clearances:

  • 4.65m (15’3″) in 2017, then a Canadian record (now second to Alysha Newman).

  • 4.70m (15’5″) in 2021, achieving the Olympic standard and personal best.

Overcoming Adversity

Newell’s career has been marked by comebacks:

• Injury Resilience: Overcame a nagging Achilles injury ahead of Tokyo 2020, using the COVID-19 postponement to recover fully.

• Mental Fortitude: Transformed setbacks, like no-height performances at major meets, into motivation. “Trust the Process” became her mantra, emphasizing technical refinement over outcomes.

Personal Life and Legacy

• Advocacy and Mentorship: Works as a coach and personal trainer, inspiring young athletes through clinics and social media (@flygirl93).

• Cultural Impact: Celebrates her dual heritage, bridging U.S. training roots with Canadian national pride.

• Interests: Enjoys wakeboarding and outdoor activities, reflecting her love for adrenaline and nature.

Future Aspirations

Newell aims to:

• Break the Canadian Record: Target Alysha Newman’s 4.75m mark.

• Elevate Women’s Pole Vault: Advocate for greater visibility and support in the sport.

• Post-Athletics Goals: Pursue roles in sports science or broadcasting, leveraging her academic background.

Conclusion

Anicka Newell’s journey from gymnast to three-time Olympian epitomizes resilience and reinvention. Her technical mastery, coupled with a relentless mindset, has solidified her as a pillar of Canadian athletics. As she continues to soar, Newell remains a role model for embracing change and striving for excellence, both on and off the runway.

Go Anicka!