What Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall told each other after winning gold at the Summer Games
Olympic athlete Tara Davis-Woodhall and her husband, Paralympic athlete Hunter Woodhall, both achieved their first gold medals at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
During popular moments that have made fans swoon worldwide, they first joined together to celebrate with one another.
On August 8, following Davis-Woodhall's victory in the women's long jump event, she rushed to the stands to embrace and kiss her husband.
When Woodhall triumphed in the men's 400-meter T62 race on September 6th, he achieved the same feat.
During a shared interview with TODAY.com, the pair explained how these experiences helped them stay connected and level-headed as their aspirations became a reality. After each competition, when they came back together, they would congratulate one another saying, "We made it," and, "You were victorious," Woodhall recalls.
"You're the winner of the Paralympic Games," or "You're the champion of the Olympic Games," he remembers saying.
"I believe we devoted a lot of time imagining it, picturing how it would be and the sensations we would experience. And when we finally experience that moment, it's almost surreal. It's like you need someone to reassure you that it's actually happening and that brings you back to reality," Woodhall explains.
"I couldn't think of anyone else I would rather see first after such an amazing performance, considering we went through this entire process together," Woodhall mentions.
In the men's 400-meter T62 competition, Woodhall passed Johannes Floors from Germany on Friday and finished the race in 46.36 seconds. This was a major accomplishment for the Paralympian, as he had previously been defeated by Floors in the same event at the Tokyo Olympics. Last year, Woodhall had taken third place behind Olivier Hendriks from the Netherlands.
But this time, Woodhall explains that he had a solid strategy in place to ensure he finished in first place.
Woodhall said that his coach accurately predicted how the race would unfold, and every detail the coach described came true.
"I was very ready, and I owe it all to the amazing team I had supporting me," Woodhall mentions.
However, as the race began, Davis-Woodhall anxiously watched as her husband participated. The pair confesses that it is always tough to witness each other in action during important events, despite their years of training together.
"It feels like butterflies in your stomach, but in a thrilling way," Woodhall explains. "You're filled with excitement about all the possibilities that could unfold."
"When I saw him in his 100 race, I felt the most intense nerves I've ever felt," she explains. "I've never had that kind of nervousness before, but when he was in the 400 race, I was filled with pure excitement. I was pumped up along with my family and friends. But honestly, I prefer being in the competition myself. I'm not afraid to admit it. I prefer having all the power and control."
Davis-Woodhall was relieved when it turned out there was nothing to be concerned about. As soon as Woodhall finished the race, he began shouting in joy. He then removed his race number while looking at the camera to show a heartfelt message dedicated to his uncle who passed away from cancer. The message read, "I did this for you."
"I just can't believe it," Woodhall says about his victory in the race. "I've been describing it as surreal all day."
"I can't believe it, everything happened just as I had written in my journal, it feels surreal. I am thankful," he said.
The power of manifestation has been a significant influence in the couple's lives. Prior to the Paris Games, Davis-Woodhall recorded in her personal writings that she desired to achieve an Olympic gold medal. Encouraged by his wife's example, Woodhall also set the same intention.
"I strongly believe in the ability to manifest things," Davis-Woodhall states. "I believe that words hold a great deal of influence."
"I completely agree with that," Woodhall remarks. "I believe that clearly defining your goal increases the likelihood of achieving it. Writing it down, visualizing it, and truly believing in yourself are all key steps towards achieving success."
After completing their competitions at the Games, the couple is now focused on intense training for the upcoming Olympics in 2028, which will be held in Los Angeles.
As usual, they have mentioned that they plan to keep training together.
"We do everything as a team. We work out together at the same time, hit the gym at the same time, cook together when we get home, and at night, we review our practice footage and discuss our performance. We highlight the positives, areas for improvement, and ways to enhance our skills," Woodhall explains.
"We have a strong love for this sport, and we both have a deep passion for it, so it doesn't feel like work," he explains. "It's more like we're simply having fun with what we love to do."
Joyann Jeffrey is a popular news journalist who works in New York City.
