She’s bold, brilliant, and built for big moments. Tara Davis-Woodhall has soared to Olympic gold, smashed records, and become a face of confidence in women’s track and field. But there’s one thing that completely unravels her, and it’s not a final jump or the roar of a stadium crowd. It’s standing on the sidelines while her husband, Paralympic medalist Hunter Woodhall, takes his mark. “I had the craziest nerves while I watched Hunter compete. I can even barely watch,” she admitted after his 2024 Paralympics race. It sounds surprising until you hear what really happens when the gun goes off.

That moment came into sharper focus during a recent episode of the A Touch More Live podcast. When asked whether she’s more nervous while competing or watching Hunter, Tara didn’t flinch. “Oh my gosh, I am in shambles when I’m watching Hunter. I can barely even watch the race — I close my eyes and my ears when the gun goes off, just in case.” The crowd hears the start. Tara hears nothing; she’s too busy holding her breath. For someone who thrives under pressure, it’s watching from the sidelines that truly takes the toll. And the reason? It’s rooted in a bond that’s much deeper than most fans realize.

Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter aren’t just teammates in life; they’re a love story that started on a track in 2017 and has run through long-distance years, Olympic pressure, and shared spotlights. “And I’m like, ‘Okay, everything’s good, we’re starting. Okay, go Hunter.’ But like, I can’t control anything,” she added.

“Like, let me get out there and run for you — like, just go, just go. And honestly, if I went out there and tried to do a 400, I would do really bad. But it is so hard to just watch.” What she said next made it even clearer why watching him race feels like her most difficult role yet.

From a vineyard wedding in 2022, with their dogs as ring bearers, to emotional post-race reunions on the global stage, their story has been told through golds, silvers, and everything in between. But this latest confession peeled back a layer fans rarely see. Because for Tara, the track is where she performs but the stands? That’s where her heart runs wild. And there’s something she still didn’t say outright… but her voice made it clear. What exactly is she so afraid of?

The real reason Tara Davis-Woodhall can’t watch Hunter without fear

Tara Davis-Woodhall isn’t just a bystander when Hunter races. She’s deeply emotionally invested, to the point where even her stomach flips with nerves. “Yooo my stomach was doing The Biles II while being a spectator tonight,” she posted after one of his races, capturing the chaos of love meeting helplessness. Her worry goes beyond affection; it’s informed by experience. As one of the world’s top long jumpers, Tara knows what elite training and competition demand. She’s felt the burn in her lungs, the fatigue in her legs, the stakes of big moments. So when Hunter lines up for the 400m, a grueling race by any standard, she’s not watching casually. She’s fully aware of how brutal it is.

Add to that Hunter’s classification: a T62 Paralympian running on prosthetics after being born with fibular hemimelia and undergoing double below-the-knee amputations. Every powerful stride he takes is incredible, but it’s also a reminder of what’s at risk. Tara sees the effort behind the inspiration, and that makes every race feel personal. What heightens it even more are the unpredictable life events they’ve already faced.

In March 2025, while visiting his father recovering from open-heart surgery, Hunter suddenly needed emergency surgery himself to remove his appendix. It was a frightening thing of how quickly things can change, especially for athletes whose bodies are already pushed to their limits. So Tara’s well-founded fear isn’t just about times or medals; it’s about health, safety, and the man she shares her life with. When Hunter races, Tara Davis-Woodhall feels every moment, and that emotional honesty has become part of her strength, showing that even champions are human when it comes to love.