Hunter Woodhall’s journey to Paralympic greatness didn’t unfold as he expected it to be in Paris. Three years after claiming a bronze medal in Tokyo, Woodhall arrived in Paris with one goal in mind: ‘securing gold.’ His first attempt in the T64 100m didn’t go as planned. Fate had a different plan for him. With the setback, Hunter only strengthened his resolve. Determined to leave the Games victorious, Hunter shifted his focus to the T62 400m race. Throughout his journey in Stade de France, the world knows that Hunter had one constant pillar to support him, his wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall. 

But it wasn’t just Tara who inspired Hunter to work toward his dreams. As Hunter took to the track, it wasn’t just speed and training that fueled him. Rather, it was the memory of his late uncle, Wyatt Woodhall, who had believed in him from the very beginning. Born with fibular hemimelia, a condition that led to the amputation of both his legs, Hunter had faced challenges very few could understand. While many nurtured sympathy for his condition in their hearts, only a handful could have faith in the impeccable talent that Hunter Woodhall had in himself. But, oftentimes, to succeed, the true support of that handful can give one the strength to conquer the world.

Wyatt Woodhall: The Uncle Ben to Hunter Woodhall’s Peter Parker 

When the starting gun fired, Hunter ran the race of his life, crossing the finish line in a breathtaking 46.36 seconds, claiming his first Paralympic gold medal. As he celebrated the moment, Tara was the first person he ran to, sharing a powerful embrace. Amid the celebrations, the moment turned emotional when Woodhall flipped his race bib to reveal a tribute to his guiding force, his late uncle. “Wyatt Woodhall, this one is for you”, read the bib. 

Hunter later in an interview with People revealed that his uncle’s legacy played a vital role in his quest for the gold. Wyatt’s passion for sport, and belief in Hunter helped foster a self-belief in Hunter’s heart. Reflecting on the psychological hardships that come hand-in-hand with a physical challenge, Hunter said, “It’s really tough finding people that genuinely believe in you, especially as a kid with a disability — and (who) genuinely want to see you succeed.”

But, Hunter Woodhall found a mentor and a shoulder to lean on in his uncle Wyatt. Hunter further continued, “My uncle Wyatt was just instrumental in creating a family dynamic of people who are champions, who work hard, love to compete and love the sport. He would show up to my meets and would watch me run in college, and he just had a joy for the sport, and believed in me.”

But unfortunately, Hunter’s beloved uncle left his hand as he breathed his last in 2021. Cancer claimed Wyatt’s life at an early age, but the instrumental role that he played in shaping Hunter’s competitive spirit and belief will continue to flourish within him forever. Hunter Woodhall described him as “the most selfless person [he’s] ever met”. Although Hunter lost his uncle, one person stood strong beside him as his ultimate cheerleader, his beloved wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall.

Woodhall couple revisits ‘blind’ faith with a heartfelt message for their younger self

Tara Davis-Woodhall visualized the moment when the Olympic glory will shine brightly upon them. After completing half of the story winning gold in the long jump, Davis-Woodhall was counting the days with fingers firmly crossed. Coming into the Paralympics, each of Hunter Woodhall’s seconds on the track felt like an eternity for the Olympic gold medalist. Unfortunately, there came a roadblock en route to the Paris dream. Running in the T64 100m men’s final, Hunter had a shattering defeat, finishing sixth. But Tara Davis-Woodhall did not give up on her belief. In fact, Davis-Woodhall mentioned that they had ‘blind faith’ in each other and that their Paris outing would be the one to remember for ages. 

Surely enough, come the men’s T62 400m final, Hunter passed his test with flying colors. Clinching the gold medal, the track and field power couple proved that with love, support, and determination, one can reach even the perilous summits. Following their fairytale victory, the couple were handed a picture of their younger selves and were asked to leave a message for them. 

Overwhelmed with emotions, Tara Davis-Woodhall said that she would encourage her younger self not to give up on her dreams. Despite the haters trying to instill negativity, Davis-Woodhall’s resilient attitude propelled her to the success of today. She said, “Some people would doubt on what I was doing, or make fun of the way I looked, being such a strong, small girl. But there’s always a reason for me to be fit and strong. And I would tell her that we finally did it.”

Hunter Woodhall too, had a message to deliver on similar lines. He wanted to tell his younger self to be proud of who he was. Thus, orchestrating one of the most memorable track and field fairytales of modern times, the Woodhalls will live in the memories of the fans for a long time to come.