Anicka Newell is a Canadian track and field athlete competing in the pole vault. Anicka cleared 4.65 m (15 ft 3 in) at Texas State University San Marcos in June 2017 which is the second highest athlete all-time in Athletics Canada behind Alysha Newman.
In July 2016, she was officially named to Canada’s Olympic team. Newell also took part in the 2016 Summer Olympics – Women’s pole vault.
Women Fitness’ President Namita Nayyar joins her for a fantastic conversation on her journey to the Olympic Games and much more.
Namita Nayyar:
At what age did you decide of making a career in professional athletics?
Anicka Newell:
It wasn’t until I was 22 years old that I made the decision to take my athletics to the next level and make the transition to a full-time professional pole vaulter
Full Interview Continued On Next Page
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Namita Nayyar:
Your first reaction on being officially inducted to Canada’s Olympic team in 2016?
Anicka Newell:
The 2016 Olympic trials was one of the hardest competitions I’ve done because of the extremely difficult weather conditions the day of. By the end of the competition I did not vault as well as I had hoped and had finished in 2nd place. I walked up to my dad crying and pissed off and he just laughed and said “I’ve never seen someone upset at making it to the Olympics”. That’s when I realized that I had just made the Olympic team.
Namita Nayyar:
A back injury ended your gymnastics career, but you stroke back as a pole vaulter. Today, you are second-ranked women’s vaulter behind Alysha Newman. How do you feel about this switch that you had to make?
Anicka Newell:
When I was younger I was really short, gymnastics was my whole life. Within a year of my gymnastics career-ending back injury I grew about 6 inches and went from one of the shortest in my class to the tallest. Obviously I was just not meant to be a gymnast. But what had devastated me at the time turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it opened up the door to track and field which eventually became my entire life. I am so thankful; some things really do happen for a reason.
Namita Nayyar:
You are now also the Head Coach at Bayou Vault Club, what factors were instrumental towards this shift?
Anicka Newell:
I’ve coached for many years and I love it. I love the connections I make with younger kids and watching them grow as people and as athletes. I always knew I wanted to have my own pole vault club so when the opportunity opened up I jumped on it. My kids even nicknamed me Momma Gator (our mascot is an alligator). Aside from my own vault career, those kids at my club are my life. I love each one of them and I honestly get more excited for their successes than my own.
Namita Nayyar:
To perform the best you need to fuel your body well to stay well nourished, what according to you should comprise a healthy breakfast meal for a sportswoman? Also, what snacks do you recommend as a part of post training nutrition?
Anicka Newell:
Breakfast is my FAVORITE meal!! I go to bed looking forward to waking up in the morning purely because I can’t wait to make my breakfast. I like to switch it up day to day but I make just about everything; protein pancakes, French toast, eggs, omelets, hash browns, turkey bacon, muffins, smoothies, breakfast burritos, etc. I always add a side cup of fruit and some sliced avocado to my meal. And I cannot start my morning without a cup of coffee. I keep lots of snacks in my house that I can munch on throughout the day but my favorite post-workout snack is a chocolate protein shake and a banana.
Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Anicka Newell:
There’s no single person that I look at as my biggest inspiration. I have many people that have inspired me and continue to do so. My family, my friends, my coaches, other athletes, the kids I coach, I have all of them to thank because I am constantly impressed by people in their accomplishments, big and small, and it really motivates me to be a better person and a better athlete.
Namita Nayyar:
As a personal trainer, share with us 5 tips that you would provide to a client who wishes to build up a strong physique like yours.
Anicka Newell:
Strength takes time, you can’t expect to get the body that you want in a matter of days, be patient and trust the process. 2) Building a strong physique is a commitment. The mindset “I’ll start tomorrow” is unacceptable. 3)In order to build muscle and stay healthy a good diet plan is a necessity! Your body needs healthy food to function efficiently. 4) Be sure to change up your workouts. Doing the same exercises and the same movements is not only boring but will eventually stop building your muscles. 5) Attitude is key. Always be positive about what you are doing, about what your body looks like. Go into every workout ready and excited to attack it!
Namita Nayyar:
5 Favorite exercises that are a must for building a strong core, define a workout routine.
Anicka Newell:
Abdominal and Core workouts are my favorite. I absolutely love the burn of a good ab routine. Some of my preferred exercises include; hanging leg raises on a high bar, Swimmer crunches, medicine ball sit up and throws, ab roll-outs, and variations of planks. There are so many different core exercises I love trying out new routines on a daily basis to switch it up!
Namita Nayyar:
How would you define Women Fitness?
Anicka Newell:
Women Fitness: Empowered women who maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and are the best version of themselves.
Namita Nayyar:
As a professional pole vaulter what are your future plans? Do share them with us.
Anicka Newell:
As a professional pole vaulter I am still very new to the game. I have a lot to learn about the vault and tons to improve on. My two biggest overall goals are to break the Canadian Record, and, to bring home a medal from the Olympics. I love pole vaulting and have no intention on retiring any time soon. The day it stops being fun will be the day I quit. There’s always a higher bar to clear and that’s what I love. I am never satisfied, always hungry for more!!!
Namita Nayyar:
How do you relax after a hectic training session?
Anicka Newell:
After a long day of training I love to watch Netflix with my three dogs. I am such a dog mom and my fur babies are my best friends. They all have crazy personalities and they all love to cuddle so it’s the best when the four of us get to relax on the couch and all three of them are trying to fit on my lap.
Namita Nayyar:
Message for Women Fitness on our 19th Anniversary?
Anicka Newell:
You only have the one body, so take care of it. I love that Women Fitness promotes fit women because I truly believe that by putting the effort in to maintain a healthy body you are giving yourself the chance to live your best life. There are so many benefits to health and fitness; better sleep, improved mood, prevention of health conditions, weight control, more energy, the list goes on and on. No matter what you do and who you are I believe that your body should be a priority in your life. Therefore, I fully support Women Fitness and the knowledge and information they help to spread about a fit lifestyle.
Follow her on:
- https://www.instagram.com/flygirl93/
- https://twitter.com/anickabn
- https://www.facebook.com/anicka.newell
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http:// www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.