Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall survives serious car crash and says she is lucky to be alive

Olympic long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall says she is “lucky and blessed to be alive” after a serious head-on car crash while travelling to training.

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lucky and blessed to be alive

The 27-year-old American said the collision last week left her with what she described as a severe concussion. She escaped without major injuries, although both vehicles were written off. “Luckily I walked away without any major injuries,” she wrote on social media.

Davis-Woodhall is working with her team and doctors to recover, but she does not know whether she will be ready for the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, which begin on September 11. The three-day event will bring together Olympic, world and Diamond League champions, with a top prize of £111,000 in each event.

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Luckily I walked away without any major injuries

The reigning world champion said the crash came at a particularly difficult point in her preparations. “It’s really unfortunate timing; I am at the peak of my training right now,” she said. “I’m as fast as I’ve ever been. I’m as strong as I’ve ever been. So this decision is very difficult for me. I don’t know where I am right now.”

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It’s really unfortunate timing; I am at the peak of my training right now

Davis-Woodhall won Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games and later added the world title in Tokyo. For now, she is focused on recovering and deciding whether she is fit to compete in Budapest. She said the experience had reminded her of the importance of life beyond sport.

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I’m as fast as I’ve ever been. I’m as strong as I’ve ever been. So this decision is very difficult for me. I don’t know where I am right now.