Hunter Woodhall: Paris Olympics’ Emotional Star to Compete in Paralympics
Hunter Woodhall gained attention for enthusiastically supporting his wife as she clinched gold at the Paris Olympics in the women’s long jump event.
Team USA’s Tara Davis-Woodhall triumphed on 8 August, rushing over to her husband in the stands in a heartwarming moment during the summer games.
“You’re the Olympic champion!” Woodhall exclaimed. “You did it!”
Tara Davis-Woodhall celebrates with husband Hunter Woodhall after her long jump gold win. Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
The 25-year-old American is an athlete himself, and the track and field star will be aiming to replicate his wife’s success at the Paralympic Games.
Woodhall, born with fibular hemimelia and a double amputee, is competing in the men’s 100-metre T64 and the 400-metre T62 events, starting on Wednesday.
Athletes in T61-64 events compete with prosthesis due to limb deficiency and leg length differences, as stated by World Para Athletics.
Woodhall credits his wife’s success as a source of motivation for his competition.
“I’m feeling really good, mentally and physically,” Woodhall shared with Sky News’ US partner network NBC News. “Watching Tara in Paris was a really great visualization. So I’m prepared.”
Hunter Woodhall at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Pic: Reuters
Woodhall at the World ParaAthletics Championships in London in 2017. Pic: Reuters
He is aiming to secure his first major gold after earning silver in Rio in 2016 in the 200-metre T44 event and bronze in the 400-metre T44. In 2021, he secured another bronze in the 400-metre T62 event in Tokyo.
Woodhall and Woodhall-Davis met on the track in high school at 17 and tied the knot in October 2022 after a long-distance relationship during college.
Woodhall attributes much of the couple’s success to their partnership.
“There’s no way we would be where we are without each other,” he stated. “Absolutely.”
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Reflecting on her husband’s support during the Olympics, Woodhall-Davis stated: “He’s been there every step of the way with me.”
“So just leaping into his arms, that was a complete release of ‘wow, I finally achieved my goal’.”
They are coached by Travis Geopfert, who told NBC News: “It’s a tough process, to be so focused, disciplined, and consistent.
“And I believe that championship mindset is what sets athletes like Hunter and Tara apart.”
Right after her victory, a reporter inquired about her celebration plans.
“I need to find my husband, maybe we’ll have some tequila shots or something,” she joked.
The couple will be hoping for more celebratory moments as the Paralympics concludes on 8 September.
