PARIS, France (NEXSTAR) — Team USA long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall had a stress-free qualifying round Tuesday, earning a spot into the final with a leap of 6.90 meters (22 feet, 7 3/4 inches).
KNWA TV’s Alyssa Orange spoke with Davis-Woodhall’s parents. Her mom, Rayshon Davis Ayers, and dad, Ty Davis, shared their excitement about being in Paris and pride in their daughter.
“It’s been great. The city is beautiful. We’ve been on a tour this morning, and now we’re ready for some Olympics,” Rayshon said. Ty expressed his anticipation of the crowd energy at the stadium, knowing how much Tara thrives in that environment. “I’m waiting to see what she can do with that energy,” said Ty.
Ty reflected on Tara’s growth since the Tokyo Games. “Honing in, she had great work ethic, but now it’s it became a professional work ethic where she’s holding herself accountable,” he mentioned.
Rayshon talked about her role as a mother and how it is more than just about the competition.
“For me, it’s just supporting her, being there, for her, listening to her,” she explained. “Sometimes she doesn’t want to hear talk-back, she just wants to vent and that’s what we do. We’re here to just let her lean on us any way that she can.”
Both parents expressed immense pride in Tara, not just as an athlete, but as a person. “I’m very proud of Tara. I was before she made the Olympics, though. She’s worked so hard just to be here every day as a person, not just as an athlete. Being that person is what I’ve been proud of just all her life.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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