Tara Davis-Woodhall Makes a Surprising Announcement Days Before Husband Hunter’s Paris Paralympics Event

via Reuters

“Olympics can change your life”— that’s the mantra Tara Davis-Woodhall might have heard from her husband, Hunter Woodhall. And given their track record, it’s not just talk!

Tara dazzled the track with her gold medal in the women’s long jump at the Paris Olympics, while Hunter’s already stacked up three Paralympic medals from Rio and Tokyo.

Now eyeing his third Olympics in Paris, Hunter’s gunning for gold, convinced that the Games will be a game-changer. But how’s Tara planning to shake things up?

According to her latest Instagram update, she’s aiming for a career-defining moment this season. And get this—former Olympic champion Justin Gatlin had even predicted this move! Surprisingly, all this might happen in the ongoing season!

Tara Davis-Woodhall shows up practicing a new drill 

As per the update, Tara will enter the long jump event in the Rome Diamond League, scheduled for August 30. The event will be a rematch of Stade de France, as all four top finishers in the women’s category will lock horns against each other again.

However, before this mouth-watering contest, the 25-year-old athlete presented herself in an altogether different practice drill. In a snippet on Instagram, Tara appeared sprinting on the track with a heavyweight tied up to her waist.

The caption of the post also remained cryptic: “The seasons not over yet. Let’s go have some fun [emoji] See you in Rome”. Is she planning to shift to track events?

What’s your reaction?

In the past, legends like Jesse Owens and Karl Lewis shared equal mastery in both sprinting and long jump events.

In her initial days, Tara Davis showcased a similar walk as well, stamping impressive timings in the events of 60m, 100m, and 200m.

Even this year as well, she competed in the Razorback Invitational, where she took the third rank in the 60-meter hurdles event.

But just before the highly anticipated Italian leg of the Wanda Diamond League, such an update is likely to give birth to several speculations. Another part is about her presence in Paris once again.

Almost every track and field fan remembers Tara Davis-Woodhall’s celebration with her husband after her gold victory at the Paris Olympics. Defeating opponents like Malaika Mihambo had its own challenges.

But to jump to the top after a lackluster sixth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics filled the athlete with emotions.

That found an ultimate garnish when both Tara and Hunter hugged and kissed each other along the fence line after the former’s victory. Now it’s time for Hunter to appear in the Olympic test.

His 100-meter T64 heats will kick off on September 1, just after Tara’s event at the Rome Diamond League. Hunter will step in the men’s 400-meter T62 on September 6. Therefore, there’s a high chance of Tara Davis-Woodhall appearing in Paris once again. After all, just like her, it could be a redemption moment for her husband as well.

Hunter Davis breathes fire before touching a personal milestone 

The Paris Paralympic Games will mark Hunter Woodhall’s third appearance, but despite being a favorite, he’s still chasing that elusive gold medal. Tokyo saw him leave the 100-meter T64 event empty-handed, so this time, the 25-year-old para-athlete is ready to come back with a vengeance.

Last year, he had to withdraw from his signature 400-meter T64 event due to a blade malfunction, and he admitted, “I just kind of had to sit there and understand that was the reality of the situation, because of me not doing the right things leading up to that meet and preparing.” Now, he’s hoping to end the jinx in Paris, though a recent COVID diagnosis has thrown a wrench in his plans.

Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Women’s Long Jump Final – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 08, 2024. Tara Davis-Woodhall of United States celebrates with her husband Hunter Woodhall after winning gold. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Despite this setback, he remains determined: “Unfortunate timing, but I knew it was a risk being around so many celebrating/traveling. Won’t be an excuse, gonna kick this thing and I’ll be ready for the Paralympics.” As for Tara Davis-Woodhall, she’s not about to let her husband tackle this challenge alone.

With the Paralympics starting on August 28 and the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea on August 30, Tara’s planning a quick turnaround. “We’re going to go home for 13 days, pack it up, get some more training in for Hunter, and we’re gonna be back. The party continues,” she says. Talk about commitment! With these two pushing their limits, what do you think of their drive to redefine boundaries in their sport? Drop your thoughts in the comments!