PARIS, France — Former University of Georgia track and field long jumper and Olympian Tara Davis-Woodhall and Paralympic sprinter Hunter Woodhall are shining bright in the City of Love.
The Olympic power couple met at a high school track meet in 2017, according to their Team USA bios. They've already crossed the finish line in their love story -- tying the knot in October 2022. Now, Tara, a world championship gold and silver medalist, and Hunter, a double-amputee sprinter, are both going for gold at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.
First, here's a look back at Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall's heart-racing journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics, on and off the track and field.
Going the distance at the University of Georgia
While at the University of Georgia, Tara and Hunter were also juggling another hurdle: long distance. Tara spent a season at UGA in 2018 before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin. Meanwhile, Hunter was attending the University of Arkansas.
“We balance our long-distance relationship by having communication, trust and patience,” Hunter told Elle in a July 2021 interview. “Over the past four years, we learned how to communicate and operate as a couple.”
Becoming an Olympic power couple
After years of long-distance, in 2021, Tara and Hunter officially became an Olympic power couple.
"Four years ago i made the best decision ever! woke up at 6am, drove 2 hours just to hang out with this kid who i had a huge crush on. turns out he had a crush on me too… now we’re both olympians," Tara wrote on Instagram.
That same year, the dynamic duo got engaged during a romantic getaway in Mexico, according to People.
Journey at the Tokyo Olympics
At the Tokyo Olympics, Tara finished sixth in the long jump. She's looking for another chance to medal at the Paris Olympics.
During the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Hunter won two bronze medals for Team USA in the men's 400m and 100m sprints.
Tying the knot
After their journey to the Tokyo Olympics, the couple tied the knot in October 2022. Check out photos from their wedding day below:
Qualifying for the Paris Olympics
And we can't forget about the heartwarming moment when Tara qualified for the Paris Olympics, and Hunter was there by her side to cheer her on.
Journey at Paris Olympics & Paralympics
Now, at the Paris Olympics, Tara recorded the best long jump of the qualifying round at 6.90 meters. She's set to compete in the women's long jump final on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, Hunter is set to compete in the Paralympics, which begin on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
"This sport has given us everything – the chance to travel the world and work together every day, so we have so much to be grateful for. That allows us to take a little more of a lighthearted approach and enjoy what we’re doing," Hunter said in an interview with Team USA.
Continue to follow Tara and Hunter's Olympic journeys on their social media page here.
