Track and field is becoming more exciting as we head into the next year! From January 1, in the United States of America Track and Field scene is set to include the U.S Paralympic Track and Field program within its structure. In essence, this move ensures that all athletes whether bodied individuals or para-athletes will receive equal levels of assistance and resources. This significant development marks a major stride, towards promoting inclusivity in the sport. The transfer of the Paralympic track program, from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPB)) to USATF is significant signaling a shift toward a future, in athletics!

This recent change comes after a performance at the Paris Games this summer when American track and field athletes won a total of 34 medals, with 14 being gold! The Paralympic athletes also had a moment by winning 38 medals in total, of which 10 were gold medals too! As USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland put it, “With the USOPC and USATF joining forces for our Paralympics Track & Field National Team and development programs, we are setting the stage for unprecedented opportunity and development.”

USATF is now the 17th national governing body to incorporate its Paralympic program. Max Siegel, the CEO of USATF, emphasized how this merger sets a new standard for integrated sports programs, saying, “This change means so much to me and to the entire Para track and field community. It’s incredibly exciting to see the investment, dedication, and future we’re building together.” With these developments, the future of track and field looks incredibly promising for all athletes involved! Well, Hunter Woodhall, a Paralympic gold medalist in the T62 400 meters at the Paris Games, is really happy about the future of the sport.

Hunter Woodhall’s excitement for a new era in Paralympic Track

At the Paris Paralympics, Hunter Woodhall brought his absolute best, charging down the final stretch to pass defending champion Johannes Floors and capture gold in the men’s 400-meter T63 event. Finishing in 46.36 seconds, he crossed the line with a solid lead of 0.54 seconds, a moment that marked his first Paralympic title after bronzes in Tokyo and Rio.

This win must have felt especially satisfying for Woodhall. He’d come close before, taking silver twice at the world championships, and even faced disqualification in 2024 due to a technical issue with his prosthetics. The crowd at Stade de France was electric as he celebrated with his wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall, who has been right by his side through it all.

Hunter Woodhall was excited to learn that the Paralympic track program was transitioning from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. He said, “This change means so much to me and to the entire Para track and field community,” he said. “Becoming part of one team with USATF is the right next step for Paralympic track and field and for Team USA, and it’s incredibly exciting to see the investment, dedication, and future we’re building together.” It’s a moment, for Woodhall as it ushers in a wave of backing and solidarity, for Para athletes nationwide.