USA star Hunter Woodhall has promised fans thrilling athletic feats and emotional moments when Para athletics kicks off at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Woodhall, who went viral after celebrating his wife Tara Davis-Woodhall’s long jump gold at the Olympics trackside in Paris, now aims to create his own memorable moments in the 100m T64 and 400m T62.
With German Para long jump legend Markus Rehm setting his sights on surpassing Olympic gold medalist Miltiadis Tentoglou’s distance, and numerous Para athletes pursuing world records, Woodhall predicts the excitement at Stade de France will soar when competition begins on August 30.
Woodhall, a 2x World Championship medalist, has always been a warrior from his childhood. He was not born with a congenital birth defect. As he was suffering from fibular hemimelia, his parents had to make the tough decision of amputating his legs at just 11 months old. He encouraged fans: “Come witness the incredible capabilities of the human body. We’re talking about someone at the Paralympics potentially outjumping an Olympic champion, which highlights the progress and talent in Para athletics. But beyond that, come see dreams come true. The emotional highs that went viral during the Olympics will be just as powerful at the Paralympics. Expect amazing athletic performances and deeply moving moments. Everyone here has trained as hard as any Olympian, dedicating their lives to this.”
German star Rehm, competing in his fourth Paralympic Games after winning gold in Para long jump at London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020, and a 4x100m T42-46 relay victory in London, is eager to set a new standard by outjumping Tentoglou, who recently won Olympic gold.
Rehm shared: “I watched both long jump competitions at the Olympics and really enjoyed them. Tara Davis-Woodhall’s event was especially exciting. The men’s competition was also impressive, with 8.48m as the winning distance. Last year, I jumped 8.49m at the World Championships, and that’s my goal here—to go beyond 8.48m. It’s not about beating anyone, but about showcasing our sport and proving that incredible athletic achievements aren’t limited to the Olympics. You can see them at the Paralympics too.”
Brazilian sprinter Gabriel Garcia, competing in his second Paralympics in Paris, was part of Brazil’s men’s 4x100m relay team at the Olympics. He will now serve as a guide for Jerusa Geber, the current world record holder in the women’s 100m T11.
Garcia is confident that records will be shattered at the Games. He said: “The moment I stepped onto this track, I knew it was special. I believe many records will fall at these Paralympics, and I’m hopeful that when I run with Jerusa, we’ll achieve our best. The talent here is extraordinary, and I hope people come to understand just how incredible this sport is. These athletes are going to light up the stadium.”
Don’t miss out—where to watch:
The Paralympics opening ceremony will run from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 28, and will air live on USA Network and stream on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms, according to NBC. NBC will also air an encore presentation from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on Friday.
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