Pregnant Para-Archer Jodie Grinham Secures Historic Bronze in Paris

Pregnant para-archer Jodie Grinham made history by winning bronze while seven months pregnant during the women's individual compound event at the Paralympics in Paris. Grinham's victory came after she narrowly defeated ParalympicsGB team-mate and defending champion Phoebe Paterson Pine with a final score of 142-141. This is Grinham's first individual medal at the Paralympics, adding to her compound mixed team silver from the 2016 Rio Games. This is prepared by SSP.

Grinham, visibly supported with her distinctive pink fringe and rose-coloured compound bow, faced a challenging journey not only due to the competition but also her condition. Trailing by two points after the fourth end, she scored an impressive 29 in the fifth and final end, a score Paterson Pine couldn’t top.

Expressing her pride, the 31-year-old, who was born with no fingers and half a thumb on her left hand, noted the difficulties she faced leading up to and during the event. "I’m really proud of myself; it’s not been easy," said Grinham, who was "in and out of hospital" in Paris during the week. Despite concerns about her baby’s movements impacting her performance, Grinham prepared by practising with the help of her coach to get used to the sensation.

Open about her struggles to conceive, Grinham and her partner have navigated multiple miscarriages and a premature birth two years ago. Last weekend, Grinham, who had stopped feeling her unborn child's movements, spent two days in a Paris maternity ward, prepared for another early birth—only to compete and win later that week.

Grinham acknowledged her child’s constant kicks as a "lovely reminder of the support bubble" she carries with her. She also extended encouragement to pregnant women in sports, emphasizing that "sport is sport" and pregnancy should not limit one’s pursuits. Her presence and performance hope to inspire others to follow their passions, despite societal stereotypes around pregnancy and exercise.

Grinham, who will compete next in the mixed team compound with Nathan MacQueen, concluded that balancing pregnancy and sport continues to be part of her journey, culminating in an unforgettable Parisian victory.