“World championships can change your career, but the Olympics can change your life… It’s a different beast,” said Hunter Woodhall. Before the Paris Olympics, his wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall, was on the cusp of success, yet she hadn’t realized her full potential. It seemed that periodic injuries and mental health battles were constantly holding back the track and field star.

However, after finishing sixth in Tokyo, Davis-Woodhall went beyond redeeming herself at the Paris Olympics. The 25-year-old competed with her Paralympic medalist husband’s undying support, jumping five spots to win gold in Paris. As she ran to embrace Hunter Woodhall, she was no longer a rising star but an Olympic champion. The athlete’s incredible performance has led icons of the sport to celebrate her achievement and make some bold predictions.

Team USA’s legendary 100m sprinter Justin Gatlin and co-host Rodney Green discussed Tara Davis-Woodhall’s incredible journey during Ready Set Go’s latest episode. “She is that talented. I won’t be surprised if I see her in the 100m. I won’t be surprised if I see her trying to do a triple, I won’t be surprised at all,” Rodney Green said during the podcast.

However, Gatlin and Green hoping to see the Woodhall “aura” in other events isn’t wishful thinking. During their conversation, Green recalled how the gold medalist said that she felt this was the strongest she had ever felt. Justin Gatlin also referenced how the 25-year-old started the year off with success. The Californian earned her spot as a favorite even before Paris 2024.

“This year was her year. She started the year off amazing. She dominated jumps,” Gatlin said about Tara Davis-Woodhall’s World Indoor Championships gold medal. However, the 3x Pan American Junior Champion had to constantly grapple with physical and mental challenges leading up to her gold medal moment.

Tara Davis-Woodhall overcame a restless onslaught of hardships

The 25-year-old long-jump special always seems to wear an infectious smile. However, during the lead-up to the Games, she seemed far more serious than usual. Yet, it wasn’t just the expectation of replicating her world championship-winning performance in Paris. “She’s deep in the cycle right now. So everything just hurts,” said Hunter Woodhall.

“The month of April was hard for me. Mentally and physically. Days were long and hard, but I kept fighting,” Tara Davis-Woodhall admitted. However, at this point, the Olympic champion has grown to thrive despite setbacks and difficulties. The Olympic gold medalist overcame bullying in her hometown (Agoura) high school, and even her then-coach lost faith after repeated injuries.

So the Olympian is no stranger to struggling for success and knows she can achieve it no matter how hard and long the practice sessions get. Yet, do you agree with Green and Gatlin’s assessment that she may race in the 100m flat? Tell us in the comments.