Olympic champion Davis-Woodhall survives car crash, says I’m lucky to be alive

Olympic long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall has described herself as “lucky and blessed to be alive” after being involved in a serious car crash while travelling to training.

The 27-year-old American was involved in a “very scary” head-on collision last week, leaving her with what she described as a severe concussion.

Davis-Woodhall said she was fortunate to escape the accident without major injuries, although both vehicles involved were written off after the collision.

“Luckily I walked away without any major injuries,” Davis-Woodhall wrote on social media on Thursday

“At this point I’m working with my team and doctors to get healthy, but I’m not sure if I will be ready to compete at Ultimate Championships next week. More updates to come.”

The reigning world champion said the accident came at an unfortunate time in her preparations, as she was approaching the peak of her training.

“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.”

Davis-Woodhall has not ruled out competing at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, which begin on September 11.

The three-day competition will bring together Olympic, world and Diamond League champions, alongside the leading performers of the year. The winner of each event will receive a top prize of £111,000.

Davis-Woodhall won Olympic gold in the women’s long jump at the Paris 2024 Games before adding the world title in Tokyo the following year.

However, her immediate focus is now on recovering from the crash and determining whether she will be fit enough to compete in Budapest.

The American star said the experience had reminded her of the importance of life beyond sport, despite the difficult timing of the accident.