Olympic long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall has announced that she will end her 2026 season due to a severe concussion sustained in a car accident. The 27-year-old American athlete revealed that the injury occurred in a head-on collision while she was driving to a training session, which has left her unable to participate in this week’s World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
Davis-Woodhall, who won gold at the Paris Olympic Games, made the decision to withdraw from competition after consulting with her team. The World Athletics Ultimate Championship, a new season-ending event, is scheduled to take place from September 11 to 13 in Budapest.
In a message shared on social media Monday, Davis-Woodhall expressed her disappointment, writing that the injury and subsequent withdrawal “hurts” and has left her feeling “sad” and “disappointed.” Despite the setback, she conveyed optimism about her future, stating she believes the experience will be part of her personal journey and affirmed her determination to return to the sport.
The long jump champion’s absence is a significant development ahead of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, which aims to showcase the year’s top performers in track and field. Her team’s decision underscores the importance of prioritizing health and recovery following serious injury.