Hunter Woodhall, a Paralympic champion, recently caused quite a stir on social media after revealing a mishap that left his Olympic medals damaged. Woodhall, who won gold and bronze at the 2024 Paralympic Games, shared an unfortunate mistake he made while handling his prized awards. He and his wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall, who won a gold medal in high jump at the Paris Olympics, have been proudly carrying their medals around to various events. However, it seems that maintaining the pristine condition of these prestigious items has proven more difficult than anticipated.
In a video posted to his Instagram, Woodhall explained how the red ribbon attached to his medal was damaged due to improper handling. “You may have seen the bronze medal on social media. They are tarnishing on the edges, but here’s the problem I have with the gold medal. I did this myself, so my fault,” Woodhall admitted, showing the worn ribbon to his followers. The damage occurred when he wrapped the ribbon around the medal in a careless manner, causing the sharp edges of the medal to catch on the fabric.
The couple’s story quickly gained the sympathy of fans, many of whom shared their experiences or offered advice on how to properly care for such valuable items. Woodhall’s candid admission of the error led to widespread discussions about the potential risks athletes face when handling their medals. The damage to the ribbon is particularly notable because it could be irreversible, leaving Woodhall with the possibility of having to replace the ribbon or even the medal itself.
Woodhall further explained that he had been wrapping the ribbon around the medal in a manner that caused the edges to scrape against the fabric. “Don’t wrap the ribbon around the medal,” he joked, turning to his wife for confirmation. Tara, who was also featured in the video, agreed with him, pointing out that such careless handling could cause lasting damage. The couple then went on to show the condition of both of their medals, with Woodhall pointing out that even his gold medal was showing signs of tarnishing on the edges.
The insight into the couple’s medal care sparked a wave of reactions from their followers. Some fans were concerned about the potential long-term effects of improper handling and suggested that medals should be kept in protective display cases to prevent damage. One fan suggested, “Might be safer in a display case,” while another humorously remarked, “I didn’t know it was that sharp,” referring to the medal’s edges. Fans also offered practical advice, warning athletes to be cautious when wearing or displaying their medals, noting that keeping them in a pocket could be just as risky as handling them improperly.
Despite the mishap, the couple has remained positive and continues to showcase their achievements at various events. As stars in the athletic world, Woodhall and Davis-Woodhall have become regular fixtures at off-season gatherings, where they often bring their medals to display to fans, sponsors, and the public. However, their recent experience highlights a key challenge that athletes face: preserving the value and integrity of their medals.
Woodhall’s video serves as a cautionary tale for fellow Olympians and Paralympians. While winning a medal is an incredible achievement, it comes with the responsibility of maintaining its condition for years to come. The couple’s error has sparked a larger conversation about how best to protect and display these highly coveted items. For now, it looks like Woodhall and Davis-Woodhall will need to find more secure ways to carry and handle their medals, ensuring that future displays do not result in further wear and tear.
The video has also provided fans with a unique glimpse into the lives of these top athletes, showing that even the most seasoned competitors can make mistakes when it comes to handling their prized possessions. The outpouring of support from followers has highlighted the strong bond between athletes and their fans, as well as the shared experience of treasuring significant accomplishments, whether it’s an Olympic gold medal or a cherished memory from a past event.
