“Feeling so blessed. Experiencing life together. Bringing track and field to the @F1 track. These are the moments we cherish,” wrote Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall on their shared Instagram, just moments after stepping onto the F1 podium. The power couple presented the iconic Belt Buckles to Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Carlos Sainz, who claimed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively in a Sprint race. Relishing every second, Tara and Hunter returned with hearts full and stories to share, and Hunter, in particular, has something to say.

Hunter confessed he was so overwhelmed by the opportunity to be with F1 stars at the ‘Circuit of the Americas’ that he was on the verge of tears, “Today was a pretty surreal day because we got to present the winners of the F1 with their belt buckles, and it was just really cool because, as a disabled athlete, just being put on that stage—one of the biggest sports in the world—being next to the biggest athletes in the world, I just felt really grateful today.” To this, Tara Davis Woodhall took a moment and added, “So Proud of you.”

He further added, “Somebody in the Paralympics was given that opportunity to be shown on the world stage, so it’s cool to see and be seen as like an athlete of that caliber. So, big day—it meant a lot. Thank you guys, and I hope to keep seeing more athletes with disabilities in really cool places, doing cool things, and representing for everyone. Sport is awesome, but I’m grateful to be a part of it, so thanks, F1.”  As he made these statements, we could see Tara casually clapping and supporting Hunter with a smile.

Unlike Olympians, Paralympians struggle to gain traction, recognition from sponsors, and the same respect from the public. Take Sarah Storey, for example—the most decorated Paralympian in British history. She believes her outsider status in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, despite a fourth nomination, stems from the lack of visibility for para athletes.

While having a conversation with the media, the athlete stated,  “I won four gold medals in 24 days in September 2024, and this is the fourth time I’ve been on the list. So, maybe someone with a crystal ball will tell me whether all those fours mean it’s a good thing. I think we don’t get enough coverage between Games. Para-sport disappears for the four years in between. There isn’t sufficient funding and support for any of the para-athletes.”

Given that para-athletes rarely find themselves in the media spotlight, it was a brilliant gesture by F1 to have the duo on stage presenting awards to some of the sport’s biggest stars. However, this isn’t the first time Tara and Hunter did something that warmed the heart of the fans. The duo never shy away from voicing their regards for each other.

Hunter and Tara Davis-Woodhall got each other’s back!

Tara Davis-Woodhall soared to Olympic gold for the United States at Paris 2024, leaping an impressive 7.10 meters in the long jump final. But, just before her gold-medal performance, the athlete received a heart-warming message from her husband, Hunter, who celebrated her relentless work ethic, unwavering perseverance, and inspiring spirit on social media.

Taking to his Instagram handle, the three-time Paralympic medalist wrote, “I’m so humbled by you. You have battled through so much just to give yourself a chance. You’ve inspired so many with your authenticity. Showing it’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to not always be okay. Through everything, you continued to fight for your dream. No one has worked harder. No one has been more disciplined. You inspire me every day to be great. Tomorrow is your moment. Enjoy every bit of it.”

After Tara clinched gold, Hunter once again took to Instagram to share a clip of her beaming with a world-class smile. The couple tied the knot in 2022, and since then, their love has only grown stronger. It’s safe to say that Hunter and Tara haven’t just won medals, they’ve won at life as well..