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Last summer, the entire country fell in love with Team USA power couple, Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall as they cheered each other on in their respective track events at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games, respectively.
Now, they’ve settled back into life Stateside, settling into a new home, keeping busy with new opportunities, and maintaining their rigorous training schedule. Southern Living caught up with the couple when they were on a whirlwind press tour for their partnership with Bath & Bodyworks.
Texas, native Tara said, “When this opportunity came, it was an instant yes. I didn’t have to hear anything more than Bath & Bodyworks. We love to work with things that we truly use. We don’t like to go off and pretend like we use things. Bath & Bodyworks is and has been a staple in our household for so long.”
They like to give the candles to friends and family and take them as host gifts when they are invited to parties. Some of the scents they prefer of the brand’s iconic candles include Winter Candy Apple, Flannel, and Fresh Whiskey.
Speaking of hosting parties, Tara and Hunter are looking forward to hosting their families for Christmas for the first time in their brand new home. “We are family-oriented people. We love being with our family and this year we’re actually Christmas at our house,” Tara said.
Their new home is in Manhattan, Kansas, but both Tara and Hunter feel most at home in the South. Hunter, who was born in Georgia but then raised in Utah attended the University of Arkansas and remained in Fayetteville until this year.
“When I moved to Arkansas I just fell in love with Southern hospitality and the people and the environment,” Hunter said.
Tara’s family moved from Texas to California when she was 11, but she headed back South for college. She attended first the University of Georgia and then became a Texas Longhorn. Hunter and Tara first met through track meets when they were in high school and they were long distance throughout college. After graduating, Tara joined Hunter in Arkansas.
Having both left the region for a period of time, Hunter and Tara returned to the South with a better appreciation of the Southern way of life.
“Coming back, you see the sense of community. Everyone is on the same page. Seeing people around town that you know, having those conversations. Meaningful connections with anybody,” Hunter said.
Tara added, “I also think it’s like we have the option and ability to go live wherever we want to. We can go live in L.A. We can go live in New York. But we truly value life. We truly value the sense of well-being. Living in a Southern town or a small town helps with the outside world of what we deal with. We travel all the time so coming back to a community, coming back to a small town, it makes life a lot easier. It makes the quality of life just more.”
Read the original article on Southern Living
As two of the most decorated athletes in track and field, Olympic champions Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall have achieved incredible success on the global stage. But despite their international fame and success, these two athletes stay grounded in their Southern roots, drawing strength and inspiration from their upbringing.
Growing up in the South, Tara and Hunter were raised with strong values of hard work, perseverance, and humility. These values have played a crucial role in shaping their mindset and approach to competition, helping them navigate the challenges and pressures of competing at the highest level.
For Tara, who hails from Agoura Hills, California, her Southern roots are a source of pride and identity. She often credits her upbringing for instilling in her the discipline and determination needed to excel in her sport. Whether it’s pushing through a tough workout or staying focused during a high-stakes competition, Tara draws on the lessons she learned growing up in the South to keep her grounded and focused.
Similarly, Hunter, who was born and raised in Syracuse, Utah, also attributes much of his success to his Southern roots. He often speaks fondly of his tight-knit community and the support he received from friends and family throughout his journey to becoming an Olympic champion. Hunter’s deep connection to his Southern heritage serves as a constant reminder of where he comes from and the values that have shaped him into the athlete he is today.
Despite their global success and fame, Tara and Hunter remain humble and down-to-earth, never forgetting their Southern roots and the people who have supported them along the way. As they continue to compete on the world stage, these two Olympic champions serve as shining examples of how staying true to one’s roots can be a source of strength and inspiration in the face of adversity.
In a sport where success is often measured by medals and records, Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall stand out not just for their athletic prowess, but for their unwavering commitment to staying grounded in their Southern roots. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may travel or how high we may climb, our roots will always be a source of strength and resilience.
Tags:
- Tara Davis-Woodhall
- Hunter Woodhall
- Olympic champions
- Southern roots
- Global competition
- Athlete lifestyle
- Balancing fame and identity
- Training regimen
- Mental fortitude
- Success secrets
#Olympic #Champions #Tara #DavisWoodhall #Hunter #Woodhall #Stay #Grounded #Southern #Roots #Competing #Global #Level
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