Sprinting into his arms, Tara Davis-Woodhall embraced her husband, Hunter Woodhall, after winning the gold medal for long jump in the 2024 Olympic games. Little did they know, they would recreate this scene only a few short weeks later with Hunter’s own Paralympic gold.
Growing up in California, Tara started her track and field journey at a young age. She had big dreams, and she worked hard for them, causing her to have a prolific early career. Tara holds several California State records and a handful of national and collegiate records for the long jump and 100M hurdles. Though Tara has always been able to run, she has admittedly had her fair share of difficulties and has fought to earn her spot among the track community.
Her spouse, Hunter, has been without legs for nearly all of his life, due to a genetic condition called fibular hemimelia, a condition that stops lower limbs from developing properly. He had his first amputation operation when he was only 11 months old, costing him both of his legs. His parents were told that he would never walk again. However, the future proved different for Hunter, as he not only began to walk but also took a keen interest in running. With the assistance of his running blades, a device where instead of prosthetic legs curved metal blades are attached, he began his running journey. Often bullied at school for what many saw as a disability, Hunter found solace in his running. He eventually earned a spot on the National Paralympic Track and Field team and managed to participate in international track and field meets.
But where the couple met was somewhere much more unassuming. The pair met for the first time during a high school track meet in Idaho. In an interview with Town & Country, Tara details her first meeting with Hunter, saying, “I stepped onto the track and said, ‘I don’t know why I have to do this, but I have to give you a hug,’ And that was the first time we talked.” After this chance meeting, the two quickly began talking, and soon, they got together. They were frequently seen in public, and the couple’s online presence grew with the creation of their joint YouTube channel, Tara and Hunter, which enjoyed a swift rise to fame.
Soon, they were gearing up for the big events. Countless hours and days of training were highlighted by their loving experiences together. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the pair competed together. Though Tara had placed 6th in the long jump and Hunter 3rd in the 100M sprint, which many would see as a success, they both wanted more.
Between the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, Tara and Hunter trained constantly. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Tara and Hunter detailed that they work out for three to five hours each day and spend six days of the week on the track, three of which also in the weight room. While some might see this as an unreasonable amount of practice, Tara and Hunter felt it necessary. And soon enough, their determination paid off.
On August 8, Tara walked onto the Olympic track. She laced up her bright orange spikes and, after a few attempts, Tara’s jump touched down at a distance of 7.1 meters, winning her the gold medal. But while surrounded by teammates congratulating her, Tara only wanted one thing. She ran to the sidelines, jumping into her husband’s arms, reminiscent of their first meeting. Then, in September, it was Hunter’s turn, as he secured his own gold in the Paralympic 100M, further solidifying their status as a couple to be reckoned with.