At TrackGirlz, our mission is to inspire and empower young girls through the sport of track and field, equipping them with health, academic, and social tools. As part of our commitment, we are excited to launch our “On Track to Paris” series, highlighting remarkable female athletes who embody the spirit of what it means to be a TRACKGIRL. Our first feature in this series focuses on the extraordinary journey of Tara Davis Woodall, a remarkable talent and energy.
Meet Tara Davis-Woodall
Tara Davis-Woodall’s story is one of perseverance. Born on May 20, 1999, in Agoura Hills, California, Davis-Woodall discovered her passion for track and field at an early age. Her talent quickly became apparent, and she began to break records and set new standards during her high school career. In 2017, she broke the American Junior Record for the indoor long jump with a distance of 6.68 meters. Later that year, representing Agoura High School, she won three events at the CIF California State Meet. Her 100 metres hurdles win in 12.83 seconds, aided by a +3.7 wind, was the fastest in history under all conditions. Additionally, her long jump of 6.73 meters set a state record, surpassing the previous record held by Olympian Marion Jones.
Davis-Woodall’s high school achievements earned her the Ventura County Track and Field Athlete of the Year title and paved the way for her collegiate career.
Collegiate Success and Professional Career
After high school, Davis-Woodall attended the University of Georgia. She broke the World Under-20 Record in the 60 metres hurdles with a time of 7.98 seconds at the 2018 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, where she also finished third in the long jump. After a season at Georgia, she transferred to the University of Texas and set a collegiate record with a long jump of 7.14 metres at the Texas Relays in Austin in 2021, placing her in the top 30 on the all-time list.
Davis-Woodall’s exceptional performance at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June 2021, where she jumped 7.04 metres, secured her place in the Tokyo Olympics. She placed sixth in the women’s long jump at the Olympic final with a best jump of 6.84 metres.
Overcoming Obstacles
While her list of accolades go on and on, what you may not see from the outside are the number of challenges Davis-Woodall has faced along the way. She has battled with anxiety, depression and a series of debilitating injuries, including a hip stress fracture, broken foot and vertebrae; however, it was her resilience that has taken her to new heights.
Recent Achievements
Despite the challenges, Davis-Woodall’s career has continued to ascend. In 2023, she won a silver medal in the women’s long jump at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest with a jump of 6.91 metres. Her journey reached new heights in 2024 when she became the World Indoor Champion, winning gold with a jump of 7.07 metres. Not to mention, she currently holds the outdoor world lead, with a mark of 7.17m.
Impact Beyond the Track
Beyond her athletic achievements, Davis-Woodall exemplifies the qualities that TrackGirlz strives to instil in young girls: hard work, determination, and leadership. Her journey from a talented high school athlete to an Olympian and World Champion serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved no matter what obstacles may step in one’s path.
Through her engagement with the community and her active presence on social media, Davis-Woodall connects with fans and aspiring athletes, offering a glimpse into the life of an elite athlete. Her openness about the highs and lows of her journey provides invaluable lessons in resilience and mental strength, encouraging young girls to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams.
Tara’s Vision for the Future
As Davis-Woodall looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, her focus remains sharp. She continues to train with the goal of not only competing but excelling. Her journey underscores the values we cherish and strive to impart to all girls: the importance of health, academic excellence, and social empowerment through track and field.
About TrackGirlz
Founded by Olympian and USA Track and Field Women’s Relay Team Coach Mechelle Lewis Freeman, TrackGirlz is dedicated to equipping girls with the tools they need to succeed in life through the sport of track and field. With a mission to ensure all girls have equal access to safe, fun, and enriching physical activities, TrackGirlz fosters an environment where young athletes can thrive, build self-esteem, and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our “On Track to Paris” series as we continue to celebrate the incredible women who are making waves in track and field and paving the way for future generations.
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