Agoura High’s Tara Davis-Woodhall

Leaps to Olympic Gold

Tara Davis-Woodhall, an Agoura High School graduate and long-jump sensation, made history at the 2024 Olympics by winning her first gold medal. With a leap of 7.10 meters, she outperformed the reigning Olympic champion and secured her place at the top of the podium. The victory was the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and a journey that started when she was just a teenager.

At 17, Davis-Woodhall was a track and field prodigy, a name synonymous with success at Agoura High. She set the American Junior and national high school long jump record in 2017 with a mark of 21 feet, 11 inches, and held multiple California records in both the hurdles and long jump. Her dominance on the track was unmatched, earning her the title of MaxPreps Female High School Athlete of the Year in 2017. Davis-Woodhall’s achievements extended internationally, as she claimed titles at the Pan-American U-20 Championships and the World Youth Championships.

However, despite her early promise, Davis-Woodhall’s journey was far from smooth. Written off by many at 19, she faced moments of doubt that nearly led her to step away from the sport entirely. But her passion and determination never waned, and at the Olympics, she delivered a performance for the ages.

In the second round of the final, Davis-Woodhall took the lead with a jump of 23 feet, 1¾ inches, a distance that remained unchallenged. She extended her lead with a third-round leap of 23 feet, 3½ inches, securing her gold medal. Her victory was sealed when Germany’s defending champion, Malaika Mihambo, was unable to surpass Davis-Woodhall’s mark.

Known for her energetic personality and iconic cowboy hat, Davis-Woodhall is more than just an athlete; she’s a social sensation and an inspiration to many. Married to Paralympian Hunter Woodhall, she embodies resilience and grace. As she stood on the Olympic podium, Davis-Woodhall realized a dream that had been years in the making, a dream she once carried as a young girl in Agoura Hills.