anicka newell

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo says the word "fearless" on my right wrist. I actually got it last year by a tattoo artist in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Paris Olympics! Insane experience. Ironically, I have many fears. I'm a professional pole vaulter and pole vaulting is a dangerous event. I am faced with fears on a daily basis in my training. But that fear is what excites me and motivates me to conquer and control it. I may not be fearless, but I choose to FEAR LESS.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My ink would tell the story of all the trials and tribulations of my journey through athletics. Track and field has been my whole life - still is. Each tattoo I got along this journey has served as my war paint as I go to battle; fighting mental demons, fighting through intense workouts, fighting injuries, fighting to become THE best in the world. I have become a painted warrior and each painted piece gives me strength and empowerment.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have competed in 3 Olympics and I'm nearing the end of my pro athlete career. Track and field is not the most lucrative sport. I've paid for all my training, travel to competitions, medical bills, coaching, etc out of my own pockets and given everything chasing my dreams. I've accumulated quite a bit of debt along the way. With the $25,000 I would pay off my debt and use the remainder to put towards my training to finish my career with no regrets and be able to say I gave it my absolute ALL!