Tara Davis-Woodhall Reflects on 'Surreal' Times Square Long Jump: 'This Was a Dream Come True'

Tara Davis-Woodhall participated in a long jump in front of the famous Times Square in New York at the ongoing 2025 NYC ATHLOS Meet.

American long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall says competing in the heart of New York City was “a dream come true” after taking part in the historic Athlos showcase event in Times Square.

The meet, which brought track and field action to one of the world’s busiest landmarks, features elite female athletes taking center stage in New York as part of Alexis Ohanian’s vision to redefine track and field and make them earn more money.

For Davis-Woodhall, who has leapt on some of the sport’s biggest stages, the Times Square setting was something entirely new.

“It was so surreal,” she said after the event to CITIUS Mag. “That was the coolest moment. I kept thinking, did that even just happen? I was actually sad going into my last jump because I didn’t want it to end.”

The competition format gave athletes four jumps, which Davis-Woodhall said heightened the focus and intensity.

“Four jumps was really cool — it made you lock in early. This was a dream come true,” she added. “I looked around and thought, they really pulled this off. It was a beautiful moment for me and for the other athletes as well.”

Davis-Woodhall revealed that she had taken a quiet moment the night before to soak in what was about to happen.

“Before everything was set up, I went to Times Square and just stood in the middle,” she said. “I thanked God for allowing me to be here and to live this moment. I could never have imagined this dream coming true, and today it became reality.”

The Times Square audience, filled with casual spectators and tourists, gradually transformed into an enthusiastic cheering section as the competition unfolded.

“At first people had their phones out — it wasn’t a traditional track crowd,” Davis-Woodhall said. “I told Don, ‘Can we tell the crowd to just be in the moment for one minute?’ That’s one of my sayings — ‘These are the moments.’

“I just wanted them to experience it, to put their phones down and be present. And they did! That last jump, they were clapping, hitting the banners, the music turned off — it was pure energy. I just took it all in. It felt so good.”

The Times Square event is part of the emerging Athlos circuit, which aims to bring track and field to public spaces and create new fan experiences. Davis-Woodhall believes this is only the beginning.

“Next year was supposed to be an off year, but it’s definitely not now — we’ve got things to do,” she said with a smile. “Athlos is just the beginning. It’s only year two, and now with the league coming, it’s going to be so much fun.”

For Davis-Woodhall, who continues to balance her athletic excellence with her charismatic showmanship, Times Square was more than just another meet — it was proof that track and field can thrive anywhere when passion meets creativity.

“This was a moment I’ll never forget,” she said. “These are the moments that make you fall in love with the sport all over again.”