On 6th September 2024, at Stade de France, Hunter Woodhall, the star American Paralympian, made history, winning gold in the T62 400m.

His ascent to the podium was more remarkable since he outran the world record holder in the event, Johannes Floors of Germany. The Paralympian couldn’t be happier winning his first-ever Paralympic gold.

After finishing sixth in the T62 100m race, things were looking grim for the two-time world championship silver medalist.

However, he pulled himself up and unleashed his true potential on the T62 400m track, finally claiming the golden glory. But his journey from becoming the first double amputee athlete to earn a Division I athletic scholarship to finishing at the top of the Paralympic podium wasn’t a smooth ride.

Born with fibular hemimelia, a condition that prevented his lower limbs from developing fully, Woodhall has to face challenges early on in his life. To improve the long-term quality of life, his both limbs were amputated at just 11 months of age.

But his disability wouldn’t deter Woodhall from making a name for himself. He went into sports and bloomed into a sprinter. However, there were still many bumps ahead on the road that would take the star Paralympian to the summit of success. The very first obstacle that Woodhall faced was getting into college.

Speaking on Rising Phoenix YouTube, Hunter Woodhall revealed how challenging it was for him to find a college that was willing to accept him.

“I did not get a single letter from any of the schools; I didn’t get recruited by a single college, and I was like there’s something going on. I had teammates that were running and competing at a much lower levels nationally; they were all getting recruited, and I was like, ‘There’s got to be something here,’” he recalled.

He further expanded on his struggle to find a suitable college, stating most were unsure if he could perform with his disability and achieve the level needed to be a professional sprinter.

“A lot of it was just uncertainty, like, can this kid run indoor track? Can this kid run with able-bodied kids? How is he going to train with my kids at the track? All these questions. I just sat with coaches and answered these questions, and I got a trip out to New Balance Indoors to prove that I could run on an indoor track and compete.

It was about finding a school that was willing to stick their neck out for me because at the time they had to put a scholarship out without knowing whether I could actually be able to compete in the NCAA, with the rules and stuff.”

But finally, he got someone who went above and beyond to find a college that would accept him. It was Tracy Sundlun, who was a coach at USC, and with his efforts, Hunter Woodhall finally found a college ready to believe in him. “Arkansas was one of those schools.

From the beginning, they said, ‘Hey, we believe in you; we got your back; we wanna fight for you.’ And since I got on campus in Fayetteville, I was like, ‘This place is special, man; there is something about it,’ so yeah, that was kind of my process, and it was, yeah, it was a dream come true,” he revealed.

However, in between his struggles, Hunter Woodhall found someone who would be his rock through thick and thin.

Who is Hunter Woodhall’s strongest supporter?

When Hunter Woodhall surged past the finish line in T62 400m, one person was particularly beaming with joy. Tara Davis Woodhall, Hunter Woodhall’s wife, rushed through the tracks to embrace her husband.

She has been a constant support for his Paralympian husband, pushing him to achieve his dreams. Hunter credited his wife for her support, saying, “Every day with Tara, we’re eating together, training together, recovering together. I also have an incredible team. Those people are who make these moments worth it.”

via Reuters

Tara Davis and Hunter Woodhall met in 2017 when they were both in high school. After five years of relationship, the power duo tied the knot in September 2022.

Tara Davis, the 2024 Olympic long jump gold medalist, has stood firm with her husband and has been quite open in showing support for her husband.

After taking a winning leap of 7.02 m in Rome, Tara Davis took a quick trip to Paris to be in the stands and cheer for her husband, just like he did during the Paris Olympics.

Her presence was a big motivator for Woodhall; as he admitted, I’m feeling really good, mentally and physically. Watching Tara in Paris was a really great visualization.”

Hunter Woodhall’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of unwavering determination. He has now achieved his dream of a Paralympic gold medal. With Tara Davis at his side, he is poised to overcome any challenge that might come his way.