Being bold and outspoken is second nature to Tara Davis-Woodhall. She’s never been one to sugarcoat her words, and that’s exactly what makes her stand out, not just as an athlete but as a personality. But apparently, this has been a major issue for some fans. How exactly? Well, just recently, when she shared a clip of her first short jump session of the year, instead of focusing on her athletic comeback, some zeroed in on her natural hair. One comment even read, “Come on, silk pressss,” sidelining her talent for appearance-based jabs. So what did Tara say?

Well, Tara didn’t respond, but her silence spoke volumes. After all, she’s here to jump, not to entertain the opinions on her hair. But that’s not where it ends. As much as she tries to focus on her sport, the hate keeps knocking. Now, with her latest role as an owner-advisor in Athlos, a women-centric, team-based track and field league backed by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Tara Davis-Woodhall’s profile is rising even higher.

But the more visible she becomes, the more opinions flood in, and not always the positive kind. After her Athlos announcement, Tara had had enough. She didn’t hold back. Taking to Threads, Tara Davis-Woodhall clapped back at the constant negativity, writing, “Getting so sick of miserable people commenting on other people’s lives… where are the morals and values?”

Her post hit like a warning shot, calling out the toxic side of online culture where criticism is masked as “freedom of speech.” But it’s not just Tara feeling the heat. Her husband, Hunter Woodhall, has also been targeted. In February 2025, after he applauded USATF’s inclusive move to host the Track and Field Nationals alongside the Para Nationals, a troll claimed that “no one” would care about the para events.

Hunter didn’t stay silent either. He shut it down, calling the comment exactly what it was: “ganging up on people with disabilities.” Even though last year, Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall achieved remarkable milestones in their athletic careers. Tara clinched her first Olympic gold medal in the women’s long jump at the Paris Olympics with a leap of 7.10 meters, surpassing Germany’s Malaika Mihambo and fellow American Jasmine Moore.

A month later, Hunter secured his first Paralympic gold in the T62 400m at the same venue, clocking 46.36 seconds. Despite their successes, the couple has faced criticism and online negativity. Yes, social media gives everyone a voice, but Tara is reminding us that it also comes with responsibility. She’s not asking for praise, just for respect. After all, she didn’t even spare Michael Johnson because, for Tara, what’s wrong is wrong.

Tara Davis Woodhall broke barriers on and off the track

Tara Davis-Woodhall isn’t one to mince words or hold back, especially when it comes to standing up for what she believes is right. In November 2024, she publicly called out Olympic legend Michael Johnson for excluding field events from his proposed Grand Slam Track league. “About my sport, it doesn’t need saving at all,” Tara fired back.

“It’s actually Michael, you’re ruining this sport. If you’re trying to save just track, it’s track and field for a reason.” She wasn’t afraid to call his approach “ignorant” and “disrespectful,” making it clear that field events are an essential part of the sport’s fabric. While some fans thought she should have taken the matter privately, Tara’s boldness sparked a conversation about respect in athletics.

But it’s not just about calling out legends! Tara and her husband, Hunter Woodhall, have faced their share of challenges off the track as well. In September 2024, Hunter expressed his frustration when a documentary about their journey to the Paris Games wasn’t picked up. “It’s crazy to think we tried to get someone to make a docuseries of @taarra and my journey to the Paris Games. No one picked it up. Guess a long jumper and a Paralympian wasn’t a compelling enough story,” he shared.

Some fans reacted negatively, labeling their response as “bratty and entitled,” with comments like, “Being famous is not handed to you or guaranteed.” Despite the criticism, the couple keeps pushing forward, proud of their unique story. Online harassment has also come Tara Davis-Woodhall’s way, especially when detractors questioned her femininity.

Instead of hiding, she shared those hateful messages publicly, posting, “These comments used to hurt but now I love them. Women have muscles too, idiots.” Her fearless attitude divides opinion; some praise her honesty, while others call it “disrespectful.” The 2024 Adidas Atlanta City Games saw another moment of controversy when Tara playfully inspected a referee’s glasses after a foul call.

Though many found it funny, others viewed it as “disrespectful behavior” that undermined officials and set a bad example for young athletes. Through it all, Tara remains unapologetically herself, and that’s exactly who her fans admire.