The world has heard the phrase ‘defying odds’ on a regular basis, but how many are able to achieve it? Very few, right? But Hunter Woodhall hasn’t just moved beyond the odds but did it quite exceptionally. About five months ago, he cemented his name in history by winning his first Paralympic gold in the 400m T62 event in Paris. Everybody saw him running through the finishing line with a whopping timing of 46.36 seconds. We all saw his big triumphant smile on the podium and also tears flowing down his cheeks while receiving his medal. But what the world probably did not know then was the reasons behind his emotions and his journey to the top.

Hunter never had a normal life as he was born with fibular hemimelia, a rare condition that caused deformities in his lower legs. When Hunter was just 11 months old, his parents even had to make the decision to amputate both of his legs. However, as Hunter sees it, “That actually changed my life.” However, it was not always for the better. During his early days in Syracuse, Utah, when Hunter moved from being homeschooled to a public school, he was being bullied. Yes, you heard it right! The two-time Olympian was bullied in school, but this isn’t a sob story, but one filled with resilience and determination. The remarks did not break Hunter. But it sure did hurt!

Despite bullying, Hunter Woodhall opens up about finding solace.

On January 21st, Hunter took to Instagram and posted a snippet of his ever-so-inspiring story. As Hunter Woodhall himself puts it, “Growing up, I dealt with a lot of bullying. I knew I was different, and kids let me know. “ In fact, in an interview with People magazine dated August 18, 2021, he even went on to explain how he had to deal with the same for nearly 2 years. At that point, it would have been rather easy for Hunter to fall prey to the harsh words.

In the reel, Hunter even goes on to say, “I think during that time, I could have easily just felt sorry for myself and given up on everything, knowing that I was playing with a bad hand.” Instead, it did something different! As Hunter sees it, “I wanted more for myself.”. But how was he going to get “more”? Well, Hunter grew up with a family that constantly supported and encouraged him. And how exactly did they help?

When the times were hard, Steve and Barb Woodhall came together and supported him. In fact, last year, Hunter took to Threads and wrote about how, as a kid, he had difficulty learning how to ride a bicycle. But his mom always had the right words for him, with her telling him, “It’s not that you can’t do it; it’s just that you’ll have to find another way to.” To add on, Hunter’s brothers also stepped in, as he himself mentioned, “pushed me to be my best and chase my dreams.” Despite all the support, Hunter still couldn’t find his space to exist.

That was true until he found his sport.”I found sports. I played every sport you could think of, and somehow, my path led me to track and field.” Hunter Woodhall had by then spent a lot of time being told the dos and don’ts of sports. Often, even finding himself being sidelined. But when he found track, he found strength. “For the first time in my life, I found a sport that nobody else could tell me how to do,” added Hunter. But even running was not without its challenges!

Initially, Hunter used prosthetic legs. During the same, he was running but not at his best speed. But soon enough, he realized that “A coach couldn’t sit me on the bench because he was scared of me getting hurt. It was just me versus the clock,” Hunter switched up. He began using carbon fiber blades for running. So what happened next?

By his senior year at Syracuse High School, Hunter was already on the United States National Paralympic Team. In fact, in the 2016 Paralympics, he won a bronze in 400m and a silver in 200m. To make it a bit more special, he even had honors like “Hunter Woodhall Day” in his hometown. And how did he do it? “I fell in love with progress—just getting a little bit better each day.” And Hunter continued the track of progress since. However, now that he has five Paralympic medals to his name, what is next on his set of goals?

As ever-so-unstoppable Hunter Woodhall sees it, “Coming for world records, baby!”

Hunter Woodhall will most likely be next seen on track at the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships that are set to happen in New Delhi. The competition will happen from September 26 to October 5. And guess what? Hunter has already begun his preparations for the same. Not so long ago, USATF announced the names of 62 athletes who will be joining the 2025 Tier athlete program.

The list had names from five-time Paralympic champion Jeremy Campbell to two-time Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech on it. And amidst the 62 names is also Hunter Woodhall. As the track season begins, Hunter is all about getting ahead. And as Hunter himself put it on the ‘Beyond The Records’ podcast, this time he is “coming for world records, baby”! And it just might be within reach for Hunter!

At the 2024 Paralympics, Hunter won his first Paralympic gold, clocking 46.36 seconds. Meanwhile, the current world record in the 400m T62 event is 45.78 seconds, held by Johannes Floors of Germany. So at the 2025 World Paralympic Championships, can the world see Hunter going for the world record? Guess only time will tell!