“It is not a burden, but a blessing”

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Hunter Woodhull shared an inspiring message about embracing uniqueness during his speech at a Challenge Athletes Foundation (CAF) event. Woodhall rose to fame with his wife, Tara Davis Woodhall, after they won gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Woodhull was born with peroneal hemipexia, a condition that prevents the growth of the lower extremities. The Paralympian had to undergo an amputation at just 11 months old. He lost both legs below the knee. However, this life-changing setback did not discourage him, and he went on to win multiple medals. He turned to athletics after trying out football and baseball at his school. Woodhall has been a four-time first-team All-American.

He has now won five Paralympic medals, including gold in the 400m in Paris. He was honored at a CAF ceremony with his wife, during which he pointed out the importance of accepting uniqueness by viewing it as a blessing and not a burden. He also added that accepting one’s true self helps bring about change in society. He reshared a moment from the speech on his Instagram story.

“This is something, when you look in the mirror, you see yourself, you see the things that make you different and the things that make you unique, you don’t look at it as a burden. It’s not a burden; it’s a blessing. It’s what will allow you to change the world, it will allow you to impact the world, make the world a better place, and it’s your superpower.”

    Screenshot of Woodhall's Instagram story. (Photo by Instagram @hunterwoodhall)    Screenshot of Woodhall's Instagram story. (Photo by Instagram @hunterwoodhall)
Screenshot of Woodhall’s Instagram story. (Photo by Instagram @hunterwoodhall)

After winning the Paralympics in Paris, Hunter Woodhull visited Shriners Hospital, where he is an ambassador. CAF helps individuals with physical disabilities access multiple opportunities in sports.

Hunter Woodhall explains why he signed a deal with Nike

Hunter Woodhull during the Toyota USATF National Para Championship. (Photo – Getty Images)Hunter Woodhull during the Toyota USATF National Para Championship. (Photo – Getty Images)
Hunter Woodhull during the Toyota USATF National Para Championship. (Photo – Getty Images)

Hunter Woodhall has joined Nike’s track and field roster with his wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall. They both debuted as athletes for the brand at the Drake Relays. Explaining his decision, Woodhall said his values ​​and mindset were aligned with Nike.

β€œOne of the things that immediately attracted me to Nike was the shared mentality rooted in the idea that the best is never good enough,” Woodhall said. β€œAt Nike, and in running, there is a never-ending quest to experiment, progress and innovate – and I am inspired by the possibility of what we can create together, to help me improve my performance and serve athletes around the world.” (via www.wwd.com)

Woodhall has so far competed in five Paralympic Games.