Davis-Woodhall ends season after car crash

Olympic long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall has abruptly concluded her 2026 season following a severe car accident. The 27-year-old American athlete will be unable to participate in this week's World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Hungary. Davis-Woodhall shared her emotions on social media, expressing her sadness, disappointment, and physical pain.

Davis-Woodhall's journey to this decision was marked by significant achievements. She secured long jump gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris and claimed the top spot at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo the previous year. In August, a head-on collision occurred while she was en route to training. Both vehicles were destroyed in the accident, which left Davis-Woodhall with non-life-threatening injuries.

Despite the setback, Davis-Woodhall maintained a positive outlook, stating, "This one hurts. I’m sad, disappointed and just hurt by all of it. I know this has to be part of my story. There has to be a reason for this. I’ll never question God’s path for me. I will be back. Just a hitch in my giddy-up." The World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Hungary, featuring Olympic, world, and Diamond League champions, along with leading performers, kicks off on September 11, offering a £111,000 prize for the winner.