"It felt like an impossible dream"- Hunter Woodhall makes his feelings known after overcoming struggles to conclude the year with success

Hunter Woodhall recently expressed his thoughts as he reflected on his year which included his first Olympic medal after three appearances in the quadrennial games. The American athlete revealed how the year was full of challenges which made his dream of competing at the Olympics far-fetched but he still mangaged to enjoy a successful season.

Woodhall competed in the U.S. Paralympic Track and Field Trials early in 2024 in a quest to qualify for his third consecutive quadrennial games. He won the gold medal in the men's 400m T-62 and 100m T-64 at the trials, emerging as one of the top contendors for the Paralympic crown.

However, tragedy struck the athlete when he tested postive for COVID-19 a week before the marquee event. Despite the setback, Woodhall competed at the Paris Paralympics with a positive mindset and great determination, ultimately winning the gold medal in the men's 400m T-62. Moreover, he concluded his campaign with a bronze medal in the 4x400m Universal Relay.

He recently took to Instagram to look back on his incredible year which was filled with several challenges and gave him the opportunity to taste success after a lot of perseverance.

"2024 wasn’t easy. I came into the year back to square one on the track. I found myself needing to make all new legs, and relearn how to run. Time was running out before the games and it felt like an impossible dream," he wrote.

"If I could describe 2024 in one word it would be consistency. Regardless of what the outcome could be I continued to show up everyday and give my best. The people around me instilled a belief in me. The hardest battles are the sweetest wins," he added.

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Hunter Woodhall on winning with the Paralympic gold medal

Hunter Woodhall speaks at the Para Athletics Opening Press Conference - Source: Getty

Hunter Woodhall took to Instagram to reflect on his journey of winning the Paralympic gold medal. The American athlete revealed how he has been competing in major events since a long time and this was the first time he emerged victorious.

Moreover, he expressed pride in hearing America's national anthem in the Paralympic stadium. He also acknowledged being overwhelmed by emotions as he recalled his journey towards the major milestone.

"9 years competing for Majors. This is my first time ever being atop the podium🇺🇸🥇 This is my first time being the reason our anthem plays. This is my first time being a Paralympic Champion. So many emotions, mainly just grateful and proud to be an American," he wrote.

"All of my other shortcomings prepared me for this. just trusting the process and time in the process," he added.

Furthermore, Hunter Woodhall urged his fans to continue to dream and persevere while working hard to ultimately reach their goals.