Upwards and onwards! Hunter Woodhall had already nearly touched the Olympic gold bubble, earning a silver in 200m (T44) and a bronze in 400m (T44) events in Rio. A year later, the Syracuse native, who was homeschooled until fifth grade, committed to the University of Arkansas, studying business marketing with a minor in communications while earning a Division I track and field scholarship, and in the three years that he competed for the Razorbacks, he became a four-time American. It was then that he decided to forgo his senior year of NCAA eligibility at Arkansas to turn professional. In fact, he didn’t have a choice!

Woodhall started sharing his life story on TikTok which eventually gained massive attention from the track and field community. His entrepreneurial spirit, including a hoodie business and various promotions, clashed with NCAA regulations, one that saw engaging in business prospects or endorsements as a means to exploit their status as college athletes. The strict rules the NCAA had in place at the time regarding student-athletes profiting from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), forced him to make this decision.

In Woodhall’s case, his business ventures and promotional posts on social media were flagged by the NCAA because they portrayed him as an Arkansas Razorbacks athlete. The NCAA viewed this as a violation of their rules, which were designed to prevent college athletes from receiving any form of compensation. Before his decision was made public, Arkansas men’s coach Chris Bucknam confessed his truth saying, “I’m conflicted on this because I hate to lose him.” Bucknam knew and respected whatever Woodhall decided, and on Feb 6, 2021, Woodhall posted on IG,

“It’s been 21 years overcoming obstacles and fighting battles just to get to this point. However, I AM TURNING PRO!” he wrote in an extended Instagram post.
“More than anything I want to thank God, my family, my amazing girlfriend, teammates, coaches, and friends who helped get me here.”

Reflecting on his decision to turn pro, Woodhall expressed his excitement in a 2021 interview with Pig Trail Nation. “I’m coming into the pro level with a bang, they have some of the top names in the sport racing here this weekend. It’s a great feeling and I couldn’t have had it any other way. I’m super psyched about it, thankful and blessed,” said Woodhall, regarding his first professional race in Randal Tyson Track Center.

Backed by Razorbacks’ coach Chris Bucknam, Woodhall was able to continue his training as a student assistant under Coach Case. Hunter eventually competed in the Tokyo Paralympic Games, even earning a bronze in the 400m event in the T62 category, making him the first double amputee Divison-I athlete to compete ever. But it is noteworthy that Woodhall had tried his hands on a number of sports. In fact, at least four of them, to be precise.

Throughout middle school, Woodhall had a tough time adjusting, with bullies picking on him. If it hadn’t been for his family, two older brothers, and his core group of friends, Hunter would have given up long back. Sitting with his doctor Stephen Santora and his prosthetist Eric Green, Hunter had to go rounds of experimenting with different kinds and ideas for prosthetics. Considering how each set varies with respect to the sport you’re playing, Hunter bought his first pair when he decided to play football.

The material had to be soft, concerning how others might catch an injury because of his “stubbies” for a sport that is so physical. He later upgraded it to a pair that had cleats on the bottom. He eventually changed his decision at least four times trying football, wrestling, baseball, and soccer, until he found running. And he is not looking to stop anytime soon!

Hunter Woodhall will be looking to redefine what the human body is capable of in Paris

Hunter Woodhall has carved out an extraordinary career, marked by numerous milestones and accolades. From tearing up the track with the Arkansas Razorbacks—where he snagged the 2020 SEC Indoor Championship and clocked impressive times like 45.46 seconds at the Tyson Invitational—to dominating the Paralympic scene. He has already bagged three Paralympic medals, including two bronzes from Rio 2016 and another in Tokyo 2020.

But he is not stopping there. Now, with his sights set on the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Woodhall is aiming to add some gold to his collection. And he is not shy about it: “Come and expect to see what the human body is capable of,” he shared.

With his wife Tara Davis-Woodhall’s Olympic gold already in the family trophy case, Hunter is ready to pen his own chapter at the Stade de France. He will compete in the 100m T64 and 400m T62.

Born with fibular hemimelia, Woodhall had both his legs amputated when he was just 11 months old. Though the doctors said he would never be able to walk, he is an athlete today, and hence, he urged people to come to see “some awesome athletic moments and also some emotional moments as well.” What do you think?

Before you go, don’t miss this exclusive scoop from EssentiallySports’ Think Tank. One of America’s most talented volleyball players, Madisen Skinner’s coach, reveals secrets about his star student.