In the same spot where Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall shared their first hug years ago in Pocatello, the Olympian and Paralympian returned this weekend, this time inspiring the next generation at the Simplot Games.
The Simplot Games bring together hundreds of high school track and field athletes from across the country each year, offering them a chance to compete on a national stage early in the season. The meet represents more than just a competition — they’re a glimpse of what’s possible. Other Olympians in attendance included Andre Phillips, Willie Banks, Stacy Dragila and Tyson Gunter, in addition to Davis-Woodhall and Woodhall.
“That's how they got their start being at these games. Just like people I'm racing against are going to be Olympians. We're going to watch them on TV someday,” Spanish Fork High School athlete Paige Spencer said.
“It brings back so many memories, but they're all such good memories and it's just like so humbling,” Woodhall said.
Davis-Woodhall met Woodhall at the 2017 Simplot Games, where Tara set the still-standing long jump record and the two combined to win five events. Their first meeting was spurred when Davis-Woodhall felt a need to give Woodhall a hug at the end of his race, someone she had never met before.
“It's pretty surreal. I mean, we're looking at the spot that we met and like hugged each other for the first time,” Davis-Woodhall said.
Athletes see the games as the first opportunity of the season to catch the eye of recruiters and coaches.
“Just keep pushing because you never know when your opportunity is going to come,” Long Beach High School athlete Jai Pitre said.
The weekend wrapped up with medals and new records as athletes chased their dreams at the Simplot Games.