You’d think winning Olympic gold would top anyone’s list of career highlights. But not for Tara Davis-Woodhall. Yes, the electrifying long-jumper who soared to 7.10 meters in Paris, clinching her first Olympic gold, recently revealed that her most cherished track & field moment isn’t the one that had an entire stadium erupting in applause. It wasn’t the podium or the medal. It wasn’t even the leap. And no, this isn’t some “humble athlete” moment. It’s something deeper. So what was it? What did it mean for the Olympian?
Well, in simple words, everything. After all, for Tara, the most unforgettable chapter of her journey wasn’t just about making history. It was about sharing it with the one person who’s been there through every step and stumble, her husband, Paralympic star Hunter Woodhall. While she continues to inspire young athletes and has settled into life in Manhattan, Kansas, Tara’s recent revelation about her favorite track and field memory caught even her most loyal fans by surprise.
Tara and Hunter took to their YouTube channel to share a video titled “We’re Not in Kansas Anymore,” where Tara opened up about a moment that truly shaped her journey, not just as an athlete, but as a person. “We actually met at a track meet, which is kind of funny, and in Pocatello, Idaho, which is the most random state and random city to ever exist,” she recalled with a smile. “And we met there… It’s like completely different worlds, completely different paths of life, and then now we’re here. That’s definitely one of my favorite moments.”
That seemingly random connection in Idaho blossomed into a partnership built on grit, shared dreams, and relentless support. Elite-level track and field is brutal. Demanding every ounce of mental, physical, and emotional strength. Yet what separates Tara and Hunter isn’t just talent. It’s their understanding of what it takes to thrive together in a world that rarely slows down.
“This sport is so demanding physically, mentally, and emotionally… and I think if you’re not able to be in those shoes or understand how difficult it is, it can be extremely hard in our position,” Hunter once explained. “So I think having us both in the same sport, it just makes it so much easier and so much more fun.” Their days are long. Three to five hours on the track, hours more in the gym, and constant recovery sessions to stay competition-ready.
But through the grind, through the sweat and strain, they’ve built more than Olympic accolades. They’ve built a story. A friendship. A bond that transcends medals. According to Tara, her most remarkable achievements stem from paths other than those leading to Olympic victory. The tiny meeting in Idaho became the genesis of what would one day become the most influential romantic connection humanity had ever seen.
From near quitting to Olympic gold: Tara and Hunter’s road through doubt
During an episode of his Beyond the Records podcast, Noah Lyles hosted his friends Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall. The couple shared their story of enduring one of their most challenging times. The situation threatened to drive them completely away from their track careers. The year 2020 brought hard times for both of their sports careers. After jumping 7.04m at the Olympic Trials, Tara Davis-Woodhall finished in sixth position at the Tokyo Games after clearing 6.84m.
And while Hunter earned a bronze medal in the 400m T62, it wasn’t the moment either of them had dreamed of. Tara admitted during the podcast that it was so disheartening, she started “making a pros and cons list for quitting” in 2021. The couple faced additional difficulties beyond their emotional response to lowered achievements. They fought through the persistent challenges of their long-distance relationship, which demanded the complete reserve of their patience and endurance.
On every weekend Hunter drove a total of 130 hours across the distance to visit Tara. Her exceptional performance in the NCAA system did not guarantee easy access to the professional level, which proved exceptionally difficult to break into. “We couldn’t even get her into a Diamond League meet,” Hunter shared. It highlighted the frustrating politics and barriers that often exist in elite-level athletics. Still, instead of walking away, they leaned in on each other, on their shared dream, and on the belief that their time was coming.
Today, they’ve made that belief a reality. Tara now holds an Olympic gold, and Hunter a Paralympic gold and a relay bronze. The setbacks didn’t stop them. Moreover, they sharpened them. And as Hunter confidently teased, “We’re coming for world records, baby!” So maybe when Tara let her gold medal fly in celebration, it wasn’t just joy. It was a signal. She knows the journey isn’t over. Not even close.
The post Not Olympic Gold, Tara Davis-Woodhall Names Favourite Track & Field Career Moment appeared first on EssentiallySports.