World Hunter Woodhall gears up for Paralympics after watching wife Tara Davis-Woodhall earn gold at the Paris Games

Hunter Woodhall, the U.S. sprinter, is gearing up for the Paralympic Games in Paris with a renewed sense of determination. At 25, Woodhall aims to clinch gold in both the 100m T64 and 400m T62 events, inspired by his wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall’s recent Olympic success.

Two weeks ago, Woodhall witnessed his wife win the Olympic gold medal in long jump in Paris. He was there to cheer her on, and their celebration was a heartfelt moment as Davis-Woodhall leaped into his arms in the stadium. Reflecting on the experience, Woodhall shared, “It was incredible, so surreal. I’m so proud. I’ve never wanted something so badly for somebody else.”

The couple, who first met at a high school track meet in 2017 and married five years later, have forged a strong partnership both in life and sports. They spend nearly every moment together—training, following similar diets, and managing their popular YouTube channel, which has over 866,000 subscribers. Their channel offers a glimpse into their lives and careers, and their mutual support has been instrumental in their respective achievements.

For Woodhall, Paris marks his third Paralympic Games. His journey began in 2016, where he won a bronze and a silver medal in Rio, followed by another bronze in Tokyo. Despite his past successes, the elusive gold medal has remained just out of reach. “That’s the goal,” Woodhall said, expressing his ambition. “This has been the most consistent I’ve ever been. It’s the most dialed in I’ve ever been. And I’m running the best I’ve ever run. I’m the most fit I’ve ever been.”

Woodhall’s path to the Paralympics has been anything but straightforward. Born with a fused right ankle and fibular hemimelia, which affected his left leg, he underwent amputation of both legs below the knee before his first birthday. The procedure allowed him to use prosthetic legs and defy early skeptics who doubted his ability to walk.

Raised in a family where his father’s Air Force career led to homeschooling, Woodhall and his brothers were encouraged to stay active. Woodhall’s early years were spent chasing his brothers and trying various sports. However, he faced challenges when he started public school in fifth grade, including bullying and difficulty fitting in.

It was in track and field where Woodhall found his niche. Athletics offered him a chance to compete on his own terms, contrasting with other sports where he faced skepticism from coaches. “It was just me versus the clock, and I found peace in that,” he recalled. Though his early performances were not outstanding, his dedication and incremental improvements over the years eventually led to his current status as one of the world’s leading para sprinters.

In addition to his athletic prowess, Woodhall has embraced his role as a Paralympic ambassador, aiming to increase visibility and support for the Games. Despite the added attention and potential pressure, he views the spotlight as an opportunity to advocate for the sport he loves.

Woodhall’s recent time in Europe, assisting his wife and preparing for his own events, might have given him a strategic edge. He used the opportunity to acclimate to the time zone differences and familiarize himself with the Stade de France, the venue where he hopes to achieve his gold medal dreams.

As Woodhall looks forward to the 100m T64 final on Monday and the 400m event later in the week, he remains focused on making the most of his opportunity. Regardless of the outcome, he is grateful for the chance to pursue what once seemed like an unattainable dream.

In Paris, Woodhall will strive to add a gold medal to his list of achievements, driven by the inspiration from his wife’s Olympic success and his unwavering commitment to his sport.