Tara Davis and Hunter Woodhall might be one of the cutest and most supportive track couples in Olympic history. Who could forget their viral moment when Hunter catches Tara in his arms after she won gold in long jump? The two athletes have worked so hard to be the track and field stars at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, respectfully. For Hunter, he owed a lot of that success to his parents who encouraged him every step of the way.
Hunter was diagnosed with fibular hemimelia and his parents had the scary decision of whether or not to amputate his legs. Hunter says he’s proud of his parent’s decision regardless. He told the Great Falls Tribune, “From the day I was born it was put in my parents’ hands to decide what was going to happen to me. They had the choice. I could have kept my legs and been in a wheelchair or something.”
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To instill some confidence in him after several bullying incidents at school, Hunter’s parents took him to the 2010 Winter Paralympics games. He was inspired to join the Paralympic team and he did in 2015. Bunter represented Team USA in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro games where he won Silver in 200 m and Bronze in 400 m. He also won Bronze in 400 at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Who are Hunter Woodhall’s parents?
Hunter Woodhall’s parents are Steve and Barb Woodhall. They raised their son in Georgia, Montana, and eventually settled in Utah.
Who is Hunter Woodhall’s dad?
Hunter Woodhall’s dad is Steve Woodhall. According to Great Falls Tribute, he was a graduate of Hobson in 1983. Steve Woodhall was in the military when Hunter was born. Steve recalled that it was a tough decision to amputate his son’s legs, “But we just believed he was pretty much perfect anyway. He’s exactly the way he’s supposed to be and has the talent he’s supposed to have.”
Steve’s brother Wyatt was there when Hunter’s parents made the decision, and recalled the moment. “Steve was holding Hunter before the doctors came in and took him,” he told the site. “It was so hard. But it turned out to be the best decision he ever made.”
Steve also said that Hunter was a hard worker from the moment he was interested in sports. “Nobody’s babied Hunter,” Steve said. “That’s the biggest thing. He’s worked hard for it and he’s done it the right way. He’s at the track every day he can be and lifting weights all the time.”
Who is Hunter Woodhall’s mom?
Hunter Woodhall’s mom is Barb Woodhall (née Strong). His mom treasures her son’s genuine personality and hard work ethic.
“We’ve always told Hunter that he has no idea who he is impacting or inspiring,” Barb told the publication. “Some people do tell us, but most we will never know. He knows that he can take a lot of excuses away from people who think they cannot do something and inspire them to try.”
The proud mother shared a story about a time when Hunter was asked what he couldn’t do. “Without skipping a beat, Hunter said ‘I can’t wiggle my toes.’ But that was the extent of it,” Barb said. “God has had a plan for Hunter’s life from day one and it has been very exciting to see it unfold.”
