Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall are a testament to the power of love, dedication, and teamwork. From their high school beginnings to their triumphs at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, the couple has achieved more than many could have imagined
Their move to Kansas and their decision to train under the guidance of Travis Geopfert demonstrate their unwavering commitment to future success.
As they prepare for the 2028 Olympics, the Woodhalls are undoubtedly one of the most exciting athletic duos to watch in the coming years, with the world eagerly anticipating what they will accomplish next.
For Tara Davis-Woodhall, the 2025 track season is more than just another year of competition—it’s a time to embrace her new role as an Olympic champion, focus on personal growth, and enjoy the sport she loves.
With no external pressures weighing her down, she is free to pursue excellence in her own way, with joy and enthusiasm fueling her performances.
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Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall: Relationship
A Shared Journey of Athletic Triumph
Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall have cemented their place as two of the most successful and inspiring athletes in track and field.1
Their remarkable achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics not only exemplify their dedication to their sports but also showcase a deep connection forged through shared experiences and mutual goals.
This article dives into the couple’s journey from meeting in high school to becoming Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists, their move to Kansas, and the exciting next steps in their athletic careers.
A Serendipitous Meeting: High School Sparks and Social Media Conversations
The love story between Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall began long before their Olympic victories. The couple met in 2016 at a track meet in Idaho during their senior year of high school.
Tara, a standout long jumper, and Hunter, a Paralympic athlete and sprinter, were both excelling in their respective fields, but it was social media that brought them together.
After their first meeting, they connected on social platforms, sparking conversations that blossomed into a long-distance relationship in 2017.
At the time, Tara was attending the University of Texas, and Hunter was enrolled at the University of Arkansas.
Though separated by distance, the couple’s connection grew stronger as they supported one another’s athletic dreams. Their relationship mirrored their growing careers, each pushing the other to achieve more both on and off the track.
so excited for this ❤️ https://t.co/cjS55zcNwt
— tara davis woodhall (@tar___ruh) October 30, 2024
The 2020 Summer Games: A Significant Turning Point
In 2020, Tara and Hunter had the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stage at the Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
The Games marked a pivotal moment for both athletes, as it was their first time competing at the international level together. While they did not walk away with gold, they made their mark.
Hunter, competing in the men’s 400m T62 event, earned a well-deserved bronze medal, cementing his status as one of the top athletes in his field. Tara, on the other hand, placed sixth in the women’s long jump final.
Although she did not medal, her performance was a testament to her resilience and ability to compete at the highest level. These performances set the stage for the couple’s future successes and solidified their bond as a team.
Tara Davis-Woodhall: Engagement and Marriage
From High School Sweethearts to Partners for Life
After the 2020 Games, Tara and Hunter’s relationship took the next step with an engagement in 2021.2
Their love for each other was as strong as their passion for athletics, and they wanted to share their lives together beyond their shared training schedules.
In 2022, the couple exchanged vows at D’Vine Grace Vineyard, marking a beautiful moment in their journey together.
Their wedding reflected their shared values and commitment to each other, setting the foundation for the exciting years that lay ahead.
The 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics: Gold Medal Glory
The 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics became the culmination of years of hard work and determination for the Woodhalls. Both athletes showcased their talents on the world stage, delivering performances that would be remembered in the history of track and field.
Tara Davis-Woodhall achieved her first-ever Olympic gold medal in the women’s long jump at the Paris Games, an accomplishment that was the pinnacle of her career.
With a leap that measured 7.07 meters, Tara claimed victory and firmly established herself as one of the sport’s elite athletes. The gold was a long-awaited moment for Tara, who had worked tirelessly to achieve this feat.
Meanwhile, Hunter Woodhall made history days later by securing the gold in the men’s 400m T62 event at the Paralympics.
His triumph came as a culmination of years of hard training and perseverance. For both athletes, their gold medals symbolized not just personal achievement, but also their mutual support throughout their careers.
New Beginnings in Kansas: A Move for Career and Life
- Following their extraordinary performances in Paris, Tara and Hunter made a significant decision about their future.
- In an interview with People magazine, Tara shared that the couple had decided to move to Kansas after their coach, Travis Geopfert, took a position at Kansas State University (K-State).
- Geopfert, who had been coaching the Woodhalls for some time, became a key figure in their decision to relocate.
- Tara expressed that they both felt it was the right move to continue their training under Geopfert’s guidance as they focused on preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
- “We thought it was best to follow him and continue our track career because we want to go to L.A. 2028,” Tara explained.
- The decision to move to Kansas marked a shift in their lifestyle, but Tara, who grew up in a rural setting, found comfort in the country life.
- She shared that living in Kansas was a perfect fit for her. “I like the country, I like not being in a big city — it’s not my thing,” she remarked.
- This change allowed them to settle into a quieter, more focused environment, which is essential as they continue to chase their Olympic dreams.
Tara Davis-Woodhall: The 2024 World Indoor Championships
Tara’s Long Jump Victory
While the Paris Olympics and Paralympics were the highlights of 2024, Tara Davis-Woodhall’s success continued well beyond the Games.3
At the 2024 World Indoor Championships, Tara delivered a gold medal performance in the long jump. She jumped an impressive 7.07 meters, a personal best that added to her growing list of achievements.
The victory at the World Indoor Championships showcased her consistency and ability to perform on the world stage, adding to her momentum heading into the 2028 Olympics.
Her continued success in both the outdoor and indoor seasons demonstrates her versatility and commitment to reaching new heights in her athletic career. With her focus squarely on the 2028 Olympics, Tara is determined to build on this momentum and continue pushing the boundaries of her potential.
The Woodhalls’ Shared Dream: A Vision for 2028
Tara and Hunter’s shared dream of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a significant motivator for both athletes.
Their decision to follow their coach to Kansas and settle into a quieter lifestyle is rooted in their commitment to long-term success.
By aligning themselves with a coach they trust and appreciate, the Woodhalls are positioning themselves to peak at the right time for the 2028 Games.
Both Tara and Hunter are incredibly focused on their goals, but they also understand the importance of balance.
Their relationship continues to serve as a source of strength and motivation as they navigate the challenges and rewards of being elite athletes.
By continuing to support each other in their individual pursuits, they are showing the world that it is possible to excel in both personal and professional arenas.
Tara Davis-Woodhall’s Vision for the 2025 Track Season
Tara Davis-Woodhall’s journey to Olympic gold in the long jump has been nothing short of remarkable.
After achieving one of the highest honors in sports, she is now focused on embracing the feeling of being a reigning champion and enjoying her athletic journey in the upcoming 2025 track season.
The pressure of achieving certain milestones has been replaced by a renewed sense of freedom and excitement, allowing her to focus on growing as an athlete and finding joy in her performances.
In a recent statement, Tara shared her plans for the 2025 season, emphasizing personal growth, enjoyment, and rebuilding from the successes of the past year.
Embracing the Olympic Champion Mindset
Having earned Olympic gold, Tara Davis-Woodhall has reached the pinnacle of her sport, but rather than feeling burdened by the weight of that achievement, she intends to embrace the unique position she now finds herself in.
The 2025 season will be about fully stepping into her role as an Olympic champion, and she plans to approach each competition with the freedom that comes from knowing she has already proven herself on the world’s biggest stage.
“There’s nothing really hanging over my head anymore,” Tara said. The pressure to meet expectations or achieve specific goals has been replaced by the opportunity to just compete for the joy of it.
Being the reigning Olympic champion means that Tara no longer feels the need to prove herself to the world, allowing her to approach the upcoming season with a sense of peace and confidence.
She can focus on enjoying each jump, each competition, and the sport she loves without the looming pressure of needing to secure another major victory.
Tara Davis-Woodhall: Growing and Evolving in the Sport
- For Tara, the 2025 season isn’t about maintaining the momentum from her Olympic success but rather about growing and evolving as an athlete.
- She plans to build on the success of the previous year, taking the time to refine her skills and continue pushing herself in new directions.
- “I want to grow in the sport,” Tara explained. Her focus will be on improving technique, fine-tuning her performances, and expanding her range as a long jumper.
- The experience of becoming an Olympic champion will serve as a foundation, but Tara is aware that true growth comes from consistently seeking new challenges and working on areas that need attention. This season will be about pushing her limits and striving to be a better version of herself.
- Her desire to evolve isn’t solely about improving her numbers or winning more medals. It’s about building the mental and emotional resilience needed to thrive in the sport for years to come.
- The journey toward continuous improvement and growth in athletics is never a linear one, and Tara is committed to enjoying each phase of it, whether it’s a personal best, a slight setback, or a breakthrough performance.
Tara Davis-Woodhall: Marriage Anniversary
Tara Davis-Woodhall shared some glimpses from her wedding day with her partner Hunter Woodhall, on their two years of marriage anniversary.
View this post on Instagram
Letting Go of External Pressures
As one of the top athletes in the world, Tara Davis-Woodhall has undoubtedly faced immense pressure throughout her career.
From media attention to the expectations placed on her by sponsors, fans, and even herself, the track star has navigated the high stakes of competitive athletics. However, now that she’s achieved Olympic glory, she’s ready to let go of many of these external pressures.
The 2025 season will be a year where Tara can focus on what truly matters: her passion for the sport. Without the constant need to prove herself or meet expectations, she can take a step back and return to the joy of competing.
This mindset shift is not only a relief but also a necessary one for maintaining long-term success in track and field.
“2025 should just be a year of growing and rebuilding of what we did this year,” Tara stated, acknowledging that her past achievements are stepping stones to an even brighter future.
With the external pressures eased, she can focus more on her mental health and well-being, ensuring that her journey is one of balance and fulfillment.
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