Man, when you talk about grit, heart, and pure speed, Hunter Woodhall’s name lights up the conversation. This Paralympic gold medalist has been turning heads, defying odds since his early days. Born with fibular hemimelia, Woodhall faced a double amputation as an infant, yet he’s carved out a legacy as one of para-athletics’ brightest stars. From his first Paralympic medal at Rio 2016 to dominating the Tokyo 2020 Games, he’s been an inspiration, proving setbacks are just setups for comebacks. His relentless drive and infectious energy make him a fan favorite. But what’s next for a guy who’s already rewriting the script?

Enter the men’s 400m T62, where Woodhall just dropped a jaw-dropping 45.70 seconds, smashing the world record previously set by Johannes Floors at 45.78s in 2019. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. For years, Woodhall had his eyes locked on breaking the 46-second barrier, a goal that seemed like chasing lightning. At the Ed Murphy Classic, he didn’t just catch it, he owned it. The 45.70s run wasn’t just a personal best; it was a historic moment for para-athletics, putting the world on notice. It was a world record and an American record as well. And people are not stopping talking about it. So, who’s hyping this epic feat?

None other than U.S. track legend Justin Gatlin. The 2004 Olympic 100m champ, Gatlin, took to his Instagram story to sound the alarm. He posted a checkmark  “World Record,” “American Record,” and “Personal Best,” with a blazing 45.70s timestamp. His three-word warning? “Don’t sleep on @hunterwoodhall.” It’s classic Gatlin, short, sharp, and straight to the point, amplifying Woodhall’s brilliance to his massive following. When a legend like Gatlin gives you props, you know you’re doing something right. But why does this moment feel bigger than just a race?

Woodhall’s record isn’t just about numbers; it’s a beacon for para-athletics. Despite the 200m T62/T64 at Prefontaine lacking a stream, his 400m triumph stole the spotlight. Who else shouted for Hunter?

Tara Davis-Woodhall Reacts to Hunter Woodhall’s Historic 400m Mark

Well, when history was made on the track, the loudest cheer didn’t come from the stands, it came from Instagram. The Olympic long jumper and Hunter Woodhall’s wife, Tara didn’t hold back her emotions after her husband stunned the world with a 45.70 in the 400m, a new world record in the T62 classification. “45.70!! WORLD RECORD💪🏽 It was only a matter of time!! I’m so proud of you, you’ve worked so hard for this! 45 mf seconds🗣️,” she posted.

Hunter, a double amputee sprinter and Paralympic medalist, clocked this jaw-dropping time, smashing his own previous best and redefining what was thought possible in his class. The 25-year-old had hinted at a breakthrough season, but this mark confirmed it.

The race itself was textbook precision: out of the blocks strong, held his form down the backstretch, and powered through the final 100m like a man possessed. But while numbers tell one part of the story, the emotion from Tara Davis-Woodhall added the heart.

So what’s next after a world record and a viral moment of spousal pride?