The Paralympics world is gearing up for the Para World Championships set to take place from September 26 – October 5. From Athanasios Ghavelas to Ezra Frech, the stars will go out all guns blazing at the World Championships. However, the tournament is set to miss one key player, as Hunter Woodhall announced a shocking decision just days before the tournament.

The track and field star, who won a gold medal in the Men’s 400m T62 at the 2024 Summer Paralympics, has withdrawn from the event in New Delhi. The 26-year-old took to his official Instagram handle to announce this shocking decision, leaving many fans stunned. “I have made the decision to withdraw from the Para World Championships in New Delhi, India,” he wrote on his Instagram handle, as he shared glimpses of his training sessions back home.

Further, Woodhall also reflected on the season he had this year, saying, “I couldn’t have asked for a better season. Running 45 seconds was my biggest goal for the year. We have bigger goals for next year and that combined with many other factors helped with this decision. Both my walking and running prosthetics need to be fixed. The travel with Tokyo and India all at once. All the changes that came with moving and a crazy year. Additionally I want to be around to experience life with Tara, be present for Athlos and everything we have coming up.”

Despite this shocking decision to pull out from the World Championships, Woodhall hopes to come back stronger next year. Meanwhile, it has been a tough season for Woodhall, and he underwent an emergency surgery for an enlarged appendix earlier this year. While he is still recovering from that health scare, Woodhall doesn’t want to rush in and come back rejuvenated next season.

While Woodhall has had to deal with his appendix surgery, he had also received another blow on the personal front. The Paralympics gold medalist revealed how he dealt with it and how his appendix diagnosis was revealed.

Tough year for Hunter Woodhall

Earlier this year, Woodhall’s father had an open-heart surgery in Utah. Woodhall had gone to the hospital to visit his father, but was himself diagnosed with an enlarged appendix, which needed immediate attention, as he had a horrible stomach pain. Moments later, Woodhall was on the hospital bed, ready to be treated.

Recalling that incident, Woodhall said, “Came to Utah to spend time with my dad after his open heart surgery. Yesterday I had horrible stomach pain, turns out I have to get [my] appendix removed. So, we will be recovering together.” 

Hours later, the sprinter had a successful surgery and revealed, “Feeling pretty good, so everything went well. Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers.” While his recovery was good, it has been an eventful year for Woodhall, and his withdrawal from the Para World Championships was a huge disappointment for his fans. Nonetheless, they’ll hope that the star sprinter comes back stronger next year and gets back to winning ways soon.