Tara Davis-Woodhall Discusses Mental Health in Preparation for Paris Olympics

Tara Davis-Woodhall: From Body Insecurities to Olympic Gold Dreams

Tara Davis-Woodhall is on a mission for the Paris 2024 Olympics, and she has two words on her mind: unfinished business. After securing a second-place finish at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in the long jump, the track and field athlete is determined to claim the gold in Paris. Her confidence stems from a complete mind-body reset she has undergone over the past few years.

In a candid conversation at a Team USA Media Summit roundtable, Davis-Woodhall opened up about her struggles with body insecurity. Negative comments about her muscular physique growing up and on social media had made her self-conscious. However, a pivotal moment came when she saw Serbian long jumper Ivana Spanovic at the 2023 World Championships. Seeing Spanovic’s fit and muscular body inspired Davis-Woodhall to embrace her own strength and power.

Despite battling severe body dysmorphia on tough days, Davis-Woodhall has found freedom in training harder and pushing her limits. With the support of mental health professionals, including a psychologist and therapist, she has built up her mental health toolbox to combat the pressures of the sport.

Surrounded by supportive individuals like her Paralympian husband, Hunter Woodhall, Davis-Woodhall is bringing her whole self to the sport. Her dedication and hard work paid off with a gold medal at the 2024 World Indoor Championships. As she gears up for the Paris Olympics, Davis-Woodhall remains fearless and determined to achieve her dream of becoming an Olympic gold medalist.