Alysha Newman + Rado = A Winning Partnership

Alysha Newman is a Canadian track and field athlete who specializes in the pole vault. She competed at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games and was the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion in the women’s pole vault, where she set a new Games record of 4.75 metres. She’s also a special friend of Swiss watch brand Rado. We chatted with her to learn more. —Noa Nichol

 Hi Alysha! How did you fall in love with pole vaulting? 

I found track and field through a gymnastics injury that resulted in the end of a young career as a gymnast. After a year of recovery from my lower back, my English teacher told my parents that I should try track and field because he saw a talented young child with lots of speed and competitiveness—especially with the boys at recess. I got started right away. I won my first pole vault meet that year and broke the meet record. The rest is history. 

 Can you break down your daily routine by the minute?! 

I wake up around 8 a.m. and jump into my cold tub for three minutes to activate my body. I take my dog Aussie for a 20-minute walk and then it’s healthy breakfast time. My breakfast consists of a chai latte, avocado toast with smoked salmon and two eggs. I always mix in responding to emails and attending meetings before I head to training. Once I’m done at the track I normally head for a recovery session (massage, physio, chiropractor or whatever the body needs) and return home for a sauna and/or a nap in my hyperbaric chamber. I’ll take care of social media posting before having dinner and always enjoy some downtime by watching a movie on Netflix or journaling. I’m normally in bed by 10 p.m. 

 With smartwatches on the rise, why do you still love wearing a traditional watch? 

There’s something so unique about traditional watch styles and the overall history and art of watchmaking. I also find the materials, parts and mechanisms of timepieces way more interesting to look at. This is especially true for me with Rado, and why I chose to have a relationship with the brand. Known as the Master of Materials, I appreciate the exceptional quality of the materials Rado uses, and its unique, innovative designs. Rado feels so good on my wrist and pairs better with my style, fashion sense and lifestyle. 

What are some of your favourite Rado timepieces, and how do you style them? 

Currently I love the Anatom for its incredible history and new fashionable look and colours. I’ve been a big fan of the Rado Captain Cook x Marina Hoermanseder Heartbeat watch as well. In terms of styling, I really wear them with anything and everything—they look just as cool with a t-shirt and jeans as they do with a little black dress. 

What’s coming up next for you? 

I’ll be competing in the World Indoor Championships. I’ll come back to Canada in the spring to fine-tune my training before starting competition on the Diamond League circuit. My year will culminate at the Paris Olympics in August! This year, 2024, will be one of my best years yet.