Tara Davis-Woodhall injured in car crash, participation in Budapest championships uncertain

Olympic and world champion long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall has suffered a severe concussion following a head-on car collision. The 27-year-old American athlete was driving to a training session when another vehicle veered into her lane in a parking lot. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident, which occurred at speeds of approximately 20 mph.

Davis-Woodhall stated she is “lucky and blessed to be alive” and that she did not sustain life-threatening injuries, though she has suffered from the mental and physical effects of the concussion. The accident has prevented her from training and has cast doubt on her participation in the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships, scheduled to take place in Budapest from September 11 to 13.

The upcoming championships feature a $10 million prize purse, the largest in track and field history. Davis-Woodhall, who was in peak physical condition prior to the crash, is currently working with medical professionals to determine if she will be fit to compete.