VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Track & Field Star Tara Davis-Woodhall Wants To Turn Silver Into Gold In Paris

As the track and field world gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, American star Tara Davis-Woodhall is focused on turning her recent successes into Olympic gold. The reigning world indoor long jump champion, Davis-Woodhall, expressed a deep sense of confidence and excitement.

Davis-Woodhall, who earned silver in the previous global competition, believes that the runner-up position was a catalyst for her growth. “It’s definitely instilled some confidence in me,” she told uInterview. “I do believe that second place was meant to be. It allowed me to have some fuel to my fire, which helped me win gold at the world indoors and now hopefully at the Olympics.”

Success in Paris, for Davis-Woodhall, transcends mere medals. “Just to know that I got there in the first place and then to have fun,” she explained. “I think putting an expectation on myself is limiting myself. I think I can exceed my expectations, and that’s what I’ve done this year for sure.”

Davis-Woodhall’s journey began at a young age, thanks to her family’s influence. She first took to track and field at just four years old, inspired by her older sister’s success in the long jump. “My father had a track team back in Texas. My second youngest sister was doing long jump, and I just wanted to be like her,” she recounted. “I saw that she was playing in the sand, and I was like, ‘I’m going to go play in the sand,’ and I never left the sand.”

The 25-year-old athlete is also looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. “I can’t believe 2028 is the next game. It seems so far but it’s not anymore,” she said. “I grew up in L.A., so it’s going to be like a little hometown hero action. I think that’s going to be the coolest thing ever.”

Beyond her personal achievements, Davis-Woodhall is committed to inspiring others. “If you think about what’s the most participated sport in high school, it’s track and field,” she noted. “Male and female get to be in it. And I think that people should realize that there are professional athletes out here doing the sport they did in high school at a whole different level.”