Alysha Newman Joins Rado As New Face Of The Brand—& She’s Just Getting Started

When Canadian Olympian Alysha Newman vaulted into the global spotlight, it was more than medals she was chasing. With every jump, the pole vault star—and newly minted “Friend of the Brand” for Rado—was carving out a multidimensional legacy, one that fuses sport, style, and substance. Now, as the face of the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s newest Canadian campaign, Newman is bringing her signature mix of power and grace to the forefront, alongside the stunning Centrix Open Heart watch in white high-tech ceramic and diamonds.

We caught up with the champion athlete (and entrepreneur, and philanthropist, and actress) to talk about her partnership with Rado, the meaning of time, and what it takes to push boundaries—on and off the track. —Noa Nichol

What does becoming a “Friend of the Brand” for Rado mean to you personally and professionally?

Being welcomed into the Rado family means so much to me—not just as an athlete, but as a woman evolving in business, philanthropy, and creativity. It’s rare to find a brand that truly grows with you, and Rado has done exactly that. To be aligned with a brand that’s as forward-thinking and precise as I strive to be in my own life—on and off the track—is an incredible feeling. This partnership reflects mutual respect, and it’s exciting to know we’re building something global together.

You’ve said you’ve admired Rado for years—what drew you to the brand initially?

I’ve always been inspired by Rado’s ability to blend timeless elegance with modern innovation. Their designs feel strong and graceful—qualities I’ve always identified with. The brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries while staying grounded in quality and heritage really resonated with me. As someone who’s now expanding into business, fashion, and film, aligning with a brand that mirrors my values of performance and creativity was a natural fit.

The Rado Centrix Open Heart is the centerpiece of your campaign. What do you love most about this particular watch?

It’s everything I stand for—elegant, powerful, and unapologetically detailed. The rose gold tones, the diamonds, the white high-tech ceramic… it’s refined but bold. What really stands out is the open-heart design—it feels symbolic. It reminds me to lead with passion and vulnerability, whether I’m on the track or in a boardroom.

Rado celebrates qualities like innovation, resilience, and timeless design. How do these values align with your journey as an athlete and entrepreneur?

My career has always been about innovation—physically, mentally, and now professionally. Whether it’s clearing new heights or launching Hyper Talent, I’ve had to reinvent and push myself. Resilience is in my DNA, and I think timeless design is really about staying grounded in your identity no matter how much the world changes. That’s something Rado and I absolutely share.

You recently visited Rado’s headquarters in Switzerland—what was that experience like? What stood out to you the most?

It was honestly surreal. I felt so embraced—not just as an athlete, but as a multidimensional woman with big visions. The team’s precision and passion really mirrored what I strive for in my own work. I also had the chance to celebrate with them post-medals, and to be in that space—where craftsmanship meets legacy—was deeply motivating.

You’re not just an Olympian—you’re also a business leader, actress, and philanthropist. How do you balance those roles, and how does Rado support your multifaceted identity?

Balance comes from staying rooted in purpose. Every role I step into—whether it’s as CTO of Hyper Talent, filming a campaign, or mentoring young girls through The Newman Foundation—is connected by one mission: empowering people to own their greatness. Rado understands that I’m not just one thing, and they’ve supported every layer of who I am. That kind of belief is rare—and it fuels me.

Can you tell us more about your work with Hyper Talent and how you’re helping shape the future of athlete and creator careers?

At Hyper Talent, we’re reimagining talent management through AI and strategy. It’s about building tools that help athletes and creators scale their careers sustainably. As Chief Talent Officer and one of the founding partners, I’m passionate about giving talent the data, confidence, and ownership they need to win—on their terms.

As you prepare for another monumental season, how does this partnership with Rado inspire you in and beyond sport?

Rado reminds me to trust my pace, own my journey, and honor my standards. As I move into this next chapter—balancing training, travel, business, and film—Rado is more than a timepiece. It’s a symbol of staying grounded while chasing greatness. And that motivates me every day.