Tara Davis-Woodhall admits listening to Billie Eilish song before clinching long jump gold at Paris Olympics

By Marie Amani

Modified Aug 12, 2024 16:22 GMT

Tara Davis-Woodhall was impressive at the Paris Olympics, leaping to a gold medal in the women’s long jump event. The 24-year-old claimed that she listened to Billie Eilish's "The Greatest" before the final.

Competing against a rich field of Olympic and World Championships medallists, Tara Davis-Woodhall jumped an impressive 7.10m for the gold medal. Germany’s Malaika Mihambo and Jasmine Moore finished second and third, clearing 6.98m and 6.96m respectively.

Mihambo was looking to defend her Olympic gold from Tokyo 2020 but was forced to finish second owing to Davis Woodhall's exploits at the Stade de France.

After Billie Eilish’s performance at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, Davis-Woodhall pointed out that she listened to the song before heading to the track for the competition while replying to a fan.

"Billie’s performance of 'THE GREATEST' at the 2024 #Olympics LA 2028 Handover! 🤗," the fan wrote.

In reply, Davis-Woodhall said:

"Literally listened to this right before I went out on the track. I AM THE GREATEST."

Davis-Woodhall appeared in her second edition of the Olympics after finishing sixth in Tokyo 2020. The 25-year-old jumped 6.9m in the qualifying round, which was more than anyone else.

She cleared 7m twice during the final round and was one of only three athletes to have legal jumps in all of their six attempts.

Tara Davis-Woodhall shows support for Billie Eilish

Tara Davis-Woodhall shows off her gold medal at the Paris Olympics (Source: Getty)

Tara Davis-Woodhall claimed to be one of Billie Eilish’s biggest fans, giving her a shout-out in one of her training videos. Davis-Woodhall noted that she would bow down to Billie Eilish if they met face-to-face.

The world long jump silver medallist invited Billie Eilish to the Paris Olympics. The video was recorded in one of her training sessions in the build-up to the Paris Olympic Games.

"My playlist ranges from like country to hip-hop to slow music to Billie. I can get lit to anything. But that's the problem," Tara Davis-Woodhall said on Instagram.

"Bow down. I'll bow down. I'll get on my knees for her for sure. Please come to my meet, come Paris. Watch me compete. Please?" she added.

Davis-Woodhall's long jump triumph was one of 14 track and field golds that the United States won at the Paris Olympics. The American contingent also clinched 11 silvers and nine bronze medals, thus taking their tally to 34 track and field medals.