Hunter Woodhall was just 17 when he made it to his first Paralympic Games. Since then, the track and life has dedicated his life to turning the color of his Paralympic silver and bronze medals into gold. On September 6, 2024, the dream finally became a reality for the Woodhall. After becoming the 400 m T62 gold medalist at the Paris Paralympics, Woodhall returned to the place that taught him to dream alongside his wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall.

Just weeks before the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Hunter Woodhall watched his better half clinch gold in the long jump. On his final event at the Paralympic Games, Woodhall produced an inspired performance to match his wife’s monumental feat. However, after achieving his goal, Woodhall couldn’t help but thank the institute that gave him a dream and the tools to follow it.

“Where it all started @shrinershospitals. What an honor to come back to the hospital where my running career started,” the 25-year-old Paralympic champion captioned his Instagram post. The five-time Paralympic medalist revealed that it was Shriners Children’s Hospital that helped the double amputee with treatment throughout his childhood. Now, he wants to give back.

“Can’t express how grateful I am to return as Paralympic Champion and share the importance of dreaming big and working hard. These kids are the future.” Tara Davis-Woodhall’s husband added. The Woodhalls uploaded snippets of their time at the institute. The gold medalists spent the entire day with the specially-abled kids undergoing treatment at Shriners.

Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall spent the day giving autographs, speaking to and inspiring the kids to dream. They also donated $10,000 to the institute. The Shriners Children’s National Ambassador even recreated a picture with a young fan. The Paralympic gold medalist had posed for the same picture when the fan was just a baby, five years ago.

Hunter Woodhall came into this world with the congenital fibular hemimelia. The condition prevented the proper development of the Paralympian’s lower legs. At just 11 months, Woodhall’s parent had to make the heartwrenching decision to amputate their son’s legs. However, the Children’s Hospital didn’t stop believing in Woodhall’s potential.

“They not only took care of all my treatment growing up but even made my first ever pair of running blades,” the world champion silver medalist added. However, the 25-year-old has also credited his wife and Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall for his success in Paris.

How Tara Davis-Woodhall inspired her husband

If Shriners Children’s gave Hunter Woodhall the courage to stand at the starting line, then Davis-Woodhall was the one who helped him cross the finish line. The Paralympic medalist wrote a heartfelt note even before the 25-year-old high jump specialist competed in the Olympic finals.

“No one has worked harder. No one has been more disciplined. You inspire me every day to be great. Tomorrow is your moment,” the two-time world championship medalist wrote on Instagram. “Tomorrow is your moment,” wrote Woodhall, and he was right. However, he wasn’t done admiring Tara Davis-Woodhall for how she inspired him.

Hunter Woodhall spoke to USA Today ahead of competing in the 2024 Paralympic Games. “Tara has taught me a lot, and one of them has been like the power of self-affirmation and journaling,” he told USA Today. The three-time Paralympian further penned his desire to become champion every day in his journal, another habit he picked up from his wife. On the day of the 400 m T62 finals, the results spoke for themselves as he crossed the finish line to his first gold.

Hunter Woodhall’s journey from overcoming the challenges of disability to becoming a Paralympic champion is truly inspiring. However, he couldn’t have reached this point if not for Shriners Children’s, his parents, Tara Davis-Woodhall, and many others. So by visiting the kids who find themselves in a similar position, Woodhall hopes to inspire them to dream.