“Everything Just Hurts”: Tara Davis-Woodhall Reveals Struggles Day Before Competing at US Track and Field Olympic Trials

“I have to put something out so far that no one can touch it. And that’s what I’m doing now,” said Tara Davis-Woodhall in a recent interview with Olympics.com in New York. Known for openly discussing her journey, from highs like her marriage to Paralympian Hunter Woodhall to lows such as struggles with body dysmorphia, her words resonate as she approaches the Olympic team trials at Hayward Field. Her personal bests in the 100m hurdles (12.61s) and long jump (7.14m) highlight her ability to excel in track and field.

Despite finishing 6th at the Tokyo Olympics, she continues to strive for her first Olympic triumph. Tara Davis-Woodhall’s path has been far from easy, reflecting the determination required in elite sports. Her story inspires with its honesty and perseverance, offering a compelling narrative of ambition in athletics.

Tara Davis-Woodhall holding her head high through dark days 

In a recent Instagram reel, Tara Davis-Woodhall, known for her positive and inspiring content, collaborated with World Athletics to share glimpses of what it’s like to experience a tough day. They captioned it, “Known for her infectious smile and positive energy, 🇺🇲’s @taarra believes in being open about the highs and lows of being a professional athlete. Get to know the world Indoor long jump champion as she prepares for @Paris2024 alongside her husband, @hunterwoodhall.” In the video, Tara is seen with a much more serious attitude compared to her usual practicing long jumps ahead of the track and field trials. Her husband spoke about her mindset saying, “She’s deep in the cycle right now. So everything just hurts. It’s that part of the season.” 

He alluded to the mental struggles of the long jumper as she practices, and how even the slightest misstep in the routines feels like a grave mistake. Tara is not shying away from bad days though. As she said, “You get wrapped up in just trying to show the best. And I love showing that I’m not okay all the time because I know there’s someone out there that can relate”. Though she does not like to see herself in that light, even if one person feels a sense of hope and community after seeing a star athlete and one half of a power couple struggle, then that’s worth it for her. 

Tara Davis-Woodhall has some strategies to maintain her mental health as well. She refers to herself as a ‘homebody’ who finds sanctuary in her house. Surrounded by their children in her ‘safe space.’ Furthermore, she lauded Hunter Woodhall as her inspiration. She said she would not be involved in the sport like she is if it wasn’t for her husband’s support, “Everyday it’s a grind and I’m lucky enough to have someone who’s also in the same sport”. They share the same mindset, the same life and the two have a great synergy between themselves that makes them feel seen and understood. Coach Travis Geopfert highlights Tara Davis-Woodhall’s heightened focus and sense of purpose this Olympic season. In the upcoming trials, she is set to compete in the women’s long jump event on 27th June, at 6:18 pm PST. 

Tara Davis-Woodhall locked in on making the Olympic team

Tara has had a wonderful few years. In 2017, she set the American Junior women’s record with a jump spanning 6.68 meters. In 2023, she placed second in the women’s long jump at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest with a jump of 6.91 meters. Moreover, in 2024, she became the World Indoor Champion, winning gold with a jump of 7.07 meters. She also holds the outdoor world lead, with a mark of 7.17 meters in the event. At the 2020 Olympics, Davis-Woodhall made her debut and placed 6th with a best distance of 6.84 meters.

She has made several changes to her training regime and diet ahead of the trials and the Olympics. Regarding her diet, she has included more red meat, as it makes her feel stronger. Though she is training hard, she has emphasized having fun as well to prevent burnout. Coach Geopfert said, “Her fitness level is like it’s never been. It’s her commitment to everything. The weight room, nutrition, sleep, all of that has just been phenomenal. And the result is what you see today.” We’ll find out very soon if social media’s favorite long jumper qualifies for the Olympics.