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  Debate

Debate

Is the backlash against Tara and Hunter justified, or are fans just being overly harsh?

“Track and field is not only about winning, it is also about people who overcome different situations, good or bad. So, if you want to show the real life of track and field, show everything, don’t leave out others,” said Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith days ago. She’s feeling a bit miffed after being cut from Netflix’s Sprint docuseries, especially since stars like Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made the cut. Ta Lou believes her story was unfairly overlooked, but now it seems Tara Davis-Woodhall and her husband, Hunter, might be facing their own drama.

The 2024 Paris Olympics were packed with incredible moments, but the highlight for many was Tara Davis-Woodhall clinching her first gold medal and running straight into Hunter Woodhall’s arms. Track fans didn’t have to wait long for the next chapter. Hunter also snagged gold at the Paralympics and recreated that iconic moment, leading to adorable ‘his & hers’ medal photos. They quickly became the ‘Golden Couple’ of the track world. However, with Hunter now asking for a personal documentary series, it looks like the ‘Golden Couple’ might be stirring up some mixed emotions among their fans!

Tara Davis Woodhall’s husband’s documentary series idea gets the cold shoulder

Hunter Woodhall took to Instagram Threads to share some big news: a documentary idea on the Woodhalls didn’t get picked up. He opened up about his disappointment, saying, “It’s crazy to think we tried to get someone to make a docsuries of @_taarra_ and my journey to the Paris Games. No one picked it up, guess a long jumper and a Paralympian wasn’t a compelling enough story. Woulda been rad tho.” While Hunter’s post got a lot of support, some fans aren’t exactly on board with his public lament.

A user on Reddit said it felt a bit “bratty and entitled” for Tara and Hunter to make their disappointment public. They pointed out that, even though the couple is known as the “couple who are both went gold for the Olympics/Paralympics” from the Olympics and Paralympics, they should be figuring out how to make the most of their fame. The fan added, “Being famous is not handed to you or guaranteed. That is one thing I appreciate about Noah Lyles. He goes out and acts like a celebrity with his antics and statements.”

Well, Noah Lyles isn’t shy about it—he boldly claims the title of ‘fastest man in the world’ and isn’t afraid to back it up, even taking on challenges from NFL star Tyreek Hill. Meanwhile, Tara and Hunter Woodhall are also putting themselves out there. They’ve been super open on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes videos on their YouTube channel and regular updates on their individual X accounts and the couple’s Instagram page. They’re giving their fans a front-row seat to their lives! Despite all their efforts, though, the criticism keeps rolling in, and it seems like the comments just won’t quit.

Fans hit Tara Davis-Woodhall and her husband with a wave of criticism

Tara-Davis Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall’s YouTube channel has a 5-part series called Let’s Go Further, which followed their Paris adventure. They announced it earlier this year in February, with plans to stream it by the end of the month. One user pointed out some confusion, saying, “They were already doing their own YouTube series…A little confused by this.”

The user added, “That being said, their complaint should be more directly towards Lululemon. Look at Clayton Young’s YouTube series documenting his Olympic build. It was unbelievable. His main sponsor, Asics, agreed to do it when pitched to them. Worked out extremely well, and made their brand look incredible.” While Clayton Young made his series ‘Marathon Build’, with Asics’ support, the user suggested that Tara and Hunter should direct their frustration toward Lululemon, since they’re brand ambassadors for the company.

Think that’s all? Nope, there’s more! Another user weighed in, saying, “The fact is, Track & Field is a niche sport. No studio wanted to make a docuseries because there wouldn’t be enough interest. Now you could argue that doing the docuseries would increase interest. Kind of a “chicken or egg” deal.”

This opinion might raise eyebrows, especially since the series Sprint, a collaboration between Netflix and World Athletics, is here to give a behind-the-scenes look at athletes and races from the Diamond League, World Athletics Championships, and the Olympic Games. It premiered in July, showing that there’s definitely a way to spark interest in track and field.

Another user showed some support, saying, “Congrats to them for having gold medals and a perfect relationship, but they don’t need a docuseries. We got PLENTY of coverage of both of them during the Games.” And honestly, who could forget? The couple was all over social media, with their love story shining bright. After their races, they were seen running towards each other in the stands, full of joy and emotion. Oh, and Hunter even wore a “Team Tara” t-shirt during Tara’s long jump—now that’s some powerful support!

With comments coming in like, “Lmao this comes off very badly lol,” along with some positive and supportive ones, we want to know what you think! What’s your take on Hunter’s thread post? Do you think a documentary about the Woodhalls should happen? Drop your thoughts below and let’s chat about it!

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