Tara Davis-Woodhall has been making headlines off the field! In addition to being a prominent long jump and hurdles competitor, she has also raised her voice in support of female athletes. Davis-Woodhall has started vital discussions with her open disclosures of the difficulties faced by female athletes.

She just shared a touching and candid statement on Threads writing, “Being a girl in sports is so scary. One day you’re the fittest you’ve ever been. The next your body swells up, retains weight, and makes you second guess everything you’ve done.” Several individuals found a connection in the phrase, which brought attention to the mental and physical obstacles female athletes face.

Davis-Woodhall’s athletic career has been characterized by noteworthy accomplishments and difficult obstacles. In the indoor long jump in 2017, Tara Davis-Woodhall earned the American junior women’s mark. She also finished sixth in the women’s long jump final at the Summer Olympics in 2020 and took home a silver medal in the women’s long jump at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Even with these successes, Davis-Woodhall’s candor regarding these matters is not new.

She has previously voiced her displeasure and annoyance about media mispronouncing her name. On X, Tara Davis-Woodhall expressed, “Rewatching my interviews and hearing my name mispronounced makes me kinda sad.” Moreover, she requested to those reporters who frequently mispronounced her name noting, “I feel like by now, my name should be known. Please, reporters, do your job to pronounce these athletes’ names correctly. TAR___RUH!!!!!” The extra weight that athletes frequently bear is reflected in this appeal for respect and acknowledgment.

Tara Davis-Woodhall’s bold responses toward hate

Beyond her sporting results, Davis-Woodhall has used her position to promote respect and diversity in athletics. She has supported equality and inclusion in sports by standing by her non-binary buddy and US indoor champion, Nikki Hiltz.

Additionally, Davis-Woodhall has been vocal about the body shaming and criticism she has experienced. She posted screenshots of abuse made regarding her appearance in May 2024. The comment “That’s a man” was made. Her reply was strong and rebellious at the same time. The 25-year-old boldly stated, “THESE COMMENTS USED TO HURT BUT NOW I LOVE THEM. WOMEN HAVE MUSCLES TOO, IDIOTS. IF I WAS A MAN I HOPE ID BE JUMPING 8.70M + BUT IM NOT SO 7M+ WOULD DO.” This forceful response demonstrates her resolve to question conventional notions of beauty.

Furthermore, she also replied to an insulting remark that said,  “You so beautiful I can barely see your mustache.” With her characteristic drive and humor, Davis-Woodhall responded, “DAMN TIME FOR A LASER TOUCH UP THEN… AT LEAST I’M BEAUTIFUL.” Her knack for transforming negativity into empowerment shows her dedication to accepting who she is and her disapproval of those who would have her doubted. Her voice and platform will thus continue to advocate for equality, respect, and diversity in sports as she gets ready for coming battles.