“IM SO EXCITED FOR THE SEASON! Can’t wait to show you guys the works we’ve been putting in,” Tara Davis-Woodhall declared ahead of her blazing 2024 track and field season, and boy, did she deliver! From the Razorback Invitational, where she leaped a stunning 6.76m, to the USA Indoor Championship with a season-best 7.18m, it was clear she was on fire. Then came the Olympic trials, where a 7.00m jump secured her ticket to Paris. And oh, the Paris Olympics—what a spectacle!

At the Paris Olympics, Tara made history with a colossal 7.10-meter jump, landing her the gold medal in the women’s long jump. Her ecstatic fall into the sandpit was a perfect symbol of her triumphant year. She became the fourth American woman to snag Olympic gold in this event, a feat worth celebrating!

Now, as the season winds down, Tara’s reflecting on this unforgettable year. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared her excitement for her final event of the season at the Rome Diamond League.

“Last one best one.. tomorrow is the last competition of my 2024 season. every meet has been such a blessing. this year has been all about no expectations, going into each meet with joy and excitement. this meet is for myself. everything I’ve worked on this season I will try to execute and be the best version of myself. thank you to everyone who supported me this year. I’ve felt so much love this year.” The season shines even brighter when you consider the challenges she overcame to achieve such success!

Tara Davis-Woodhall’s journey to Olympic gold in Paris was anything but straightforward. Once a promising talent from Agoura Hills, Tara faced numerous setbacks, from injuries to intense personal struggles. Battling severe depression, she confessed at one point, “I honestly didn’t make myself to make it to 24, 25,” as she grappled with a sense of hopelessness. Her time at the University of Texas was marked by a painful isolation, exacerbated by a fractured back and the emotional toll of her parents’ divorce. Despite these adversities, she remained determined to achieve her Olympic dream, famously declaring, “Olympic gold has always been my dream. Little Tara, you freaking did it.”

Her path to gold was also marred by a severe heel injury that required a three-week break from jumping just before the Olympic Trials. “It was the worst pain I think I’ve ever been through,” she admitted, anxious about whether she could heal in time for the Games. Yet, her resilience shone through as she overcame these challenges to claim victory in Paris. Now that her extraordinary 2024 campaign has come to a close, what lies ahead for Tara Davis-Woodhall?

Tara Davis-Woodhall’s plans following her Paris Olympics gold!

Tara Davis-Woodhall will wrap up her remarkable year at the Rome Diamond League on August 30th. Despite her Olympic gold, she’s eager to see what she can achieve without the pressure of the Games, stating, “People are asking why I’m competing after winning gold. Well, I want to see how far I can jump without the pressure of trying to win an Olympic Gold Medal.” Fans were initially surprised by her decision, but it’s clear she’s determined to end the season on her own terms.

Off the track, Tara will be cheering on her husband, Hunter Woodhall, who will be competing in the Paralympics, aiming to add to his impressive three-medal haul. As they support each other, this power couple continues to make waves in the track-and-field world. What are your thoughts on Tara’s incredible season? Share in the comments below!