Alysha Newman was issued a provision suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit on Wednesday for a whereabouts violation that included three missed drug test intervals of filing failures within 12 months.
Newman, 31, has competed in the pole vault for Canada and won bronze at the 2024 Paris Games, her third Olympics after making the national team in 2016 and 2020. She has not competed since a Diamond League appearance in May 2025.
A typical whereabouts violation carries a maximum penalty of two years ineligibility but can be reduced to a year depending on the nature of the accused individual’s fault.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Athletics Canada said it was aware of the infraction, suspension and accepts the AIU penalty handed to Newman.
Athletics Canada has adopted the Canadian Anti-Doping Program,” the statement read. “All organizations that adopt and support the CADP accept the rules as a condition of participation in sport and agree to be bound by these rules. Athletics Canada is committed to the enforcement of anti-doping rules as stated in the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, by World Athletics, and by the World Anti-Doping Agency.”
The AIU has not specified exactly when Newman’s whereabouts violation occurred, when she was informed of the provision suspension and what the length of penalty will be.
“While Athletics Canada provides on-going guidance and reminders to athletes on the requirements for declaring whereabouts, the athlete is ultimately responsible for providing the information in a timely matter as required,” the statement from Athletics Canada continued. “This is an unfortunate situation and Athletics Canada hopes to see Alysha Newman back as part of our National Team Program when she is eligible.”
