Olympic long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall says she feels “lucky and blessed to be alive” after a serious car accident while travelling to training.
The 27-year-old American was involved in a “very scary” head-on collision last week and suffered what she described as a severe concussion.
Although both vehicles were written off, Davis-Woodhall escaped without major injuries and is now working with her medical team on her recovery.
“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 crash occurred just as her preparations were reaching their peak.
“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 remains hopeful of competing at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, which begin on September 11.
The three-day event will feature Olympic, world and Diamond League champions, as well as the year’s leading performers, with £111,000 going to each event winner.
Davis-Woodhall claimed Olympic gold in the women’s long jump at Paris 2024 before securing the world title in Tokyo the following year.
For now, however, her priority is recovering from the crash and assessing whether she will be fit to compete in Budapest.
The American athlete said the experience had reinforced the value of life outside sport, despite the unfortunate timing of the accident.
