Olympic medallist Alysha Newman ready to jump to new heights [Video]

It’s impossible to wipe the smile off Alysha Newman’s face.

Surrounded by close to 100 family and friends Saturday night at her parents’ home in Delaware, Ont. the Olympic bronze medallist in pole vault welcomed everyone who played a role in getting her to the podium in Paris last month.

“Tonight there’s 90 people, and I was writing my list of everybody that has helped me along the way,” said Newman.

“It’s just been such a surreal moment because without every single person, I would have never accomplished this medal. People want to say it’s a celebration for me, but really it’s a celebration for them to say ‘Thank You’.”

Her journey to this point in her life hasn’t been easy. There have been so many highs and lows – from reaching a Canadian record in the event, to serious injuries and a concussion which lead to depression, and days …