Setbacks are a part of being an athlete. As for Tara Davis-Woodhall, she has never been one to shy away from the spotlight or the pressure that comes with it. After dazzling fans with a gold medal-winning 7.10-meter leap at the 2024 Paris Olympics and clinching the women’s long jump title at the 2025 Drake Relays, the 25-year-old soared into elite company. She became more than just a champion. She became the face of flair, power, and poise in the sandpit. Yet, she felt the jolt of a setback. But in true athlete fashion, she found her flair once again! Not on the tracks this time, but somewhere surprising!
But in a twist that left fans puzzled, the reigning queen of American long jump was noticeably absent when Michael Johnson unveiled his new track league packed with stars. No mention. No invite. Just silence. So, at Athlos, the bold, women-centered track and field event was founded by Alexis Ohanian, husband of tennis legend Serena Williams. From starring in promotional clips to headlining this year’s meet, TDW has become one of Athlos’ marquee figures. But amidst the competition and flashing cameras, Tara took a moment to acknowledge a deeper inspiration for her childhood hero, Serena herself.
Tara Davis-Woodhall took to Instagram Stories, highlighting a deeply personal moment that stopped her in her tracks. Sharing a candid photo of herself mid-sip at a café, she added a caption that reflected both awe and gratitude, “Moment of realization when you realize the #1 woman you looked up to in sports, knows who you are.” Tagging Serena Williams directly, she continued, “@serenawilliams thank you to you.. for forever changing sport and supporting women while doing it.” It was a quiet yet powerful tribute.
A nod from one game-changer to another reveals how much it meant for Tara to feel seen by the icon who helped redefine what it means to be a woman in sport.
This story is developing…
The post Reality Sets in for Tara Davis-Woodhall as She Shares Emotional Message to Childhood Hero Serena Williams After Major Athlos Role appeared first on EssentiallySports.
