Jodie Grinham shoots into history with Paralympic archery bronze while pregnant

As the sun set behind the Eiffel Tower, a historic moment unfolded at the Paralympic Games in Paris. Jodie Grinham, a British archer, made headlines by becoming the first openly pregnant woman to win a Paralympic medal. She clinched the bronze in a thrilling shoot-off against her close friend and fellow Briton, Phoebe Paterson Pine, in the individual compound open event.

The match was a nail-biter from start to finish. Paterson Pine, who had won gold in the Tokyo Paralympics, led the competition by a slim margin. With everything riding on her final arrow, Paterson Pine needed a perfect 10 to secure victory, or at least a 9 to force a one-arrow shoot-off. But in a twist that left the audience gasping, she shot an 8, allowing Grinham the chance to take the bronze. The two athletes, who have trained together since 2014, shared an emotional hug after the match, showing the deep bond they’ve built over the years.

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Grinham, easily recognizable with her tall stature, vibrant pink fringe, and long hair dyed blue at the ends, had to make significant adjustments to her technique due to her pregnancy. At seven months pregnant, she had to adapt her equipment and form to accommodate her growing belly. For instance, she wore a low-slung quiver around her middle, which required her to tweak how she lifted and held the bow. She also opted for flat shoes to maintain her balance, as concentration is crucial in archery.

The baby, already an active participant in Grinham's life, provided both comfort and distraction during the competition. "The baby hasn’t stopped moving," Grinham shared after the match, laughing. "It’s been a real honor to know that the baby is there and that little support bubble I’ve got in my belly." The baby’s kicks were a constant reminder of the unique challenge Grinham was facing. She admitted to being worried that the baby might move at a critical moment, potentially affecting her shot. However, she and her coach spent a lot of time preparing for this, practicing with the baby’s movements in mind.

During the competition, Grinham developed a routine to stay focused. “Even during matches today, up at full draw, I acknowledged it, mummy loves you, I’ll cuddle you in a minute, then carried on doing my processes,” she said. After every shot, she would give her belly a gentle stroke, reassuring her baby that everything was fine.

This wasn’t Grinham’s first pregnancy; her son Christian, now two years old, was born prematurely at seven months, the same stage she was at during the competition. Despite the challenges and potential risks, Grinham was determined to prove that it is possible to compete at an elite level while pregnant. She took precautions, ensuring that Les Invalides, the venue for the archery competition, was within eight minutes of the nearest hospital. She also spent the week leading up to the event in and out of the hospital for regular check-ups. But for Grinham, it was all worth it to break barriers and show the world that pregnancy doesn’t have to be a limitation.

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“There is no stigma,” Grinham emphasized after her victory. “The stereotype of things is completely irrelevant. If you feel you can do it, it doesn’t matter. If the doctor says it’s fine, then go and do it.”

The setting for Grinham’s historic win was as remarkable as the achievement itself. The archery competition took place at the Esplanades des Invalides, with the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background and the gilded dome of the Hotel des Invalides nearby. The venue, with its manicured gardens and bronze statues, provided a stunning backdrop for the event.

Despite the beauty of the setting, the competition was tough. Two favorites, Sheetal Devi from India and Julie Rigault Chupin from France, were knocked out early, much to the disappointment of the crowd. Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old archer who uses her foot to hold the bow and her teeth to pull the string, has become a social media sensation with over 300,000 followers on Instagram. Rigault Chupin, a French archer, was cheered on enthusiastically by the home crowd but was ultimately eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Jodie Grinham’s victory is a milestone in Paralympic history. Her success not only highlights her incredible skill and determination but also serves as an inspiration to women everywhere. Grinham has shown that with the right support and mindset, it’s possible to achieve greatness, even in the most challenging circumstances.