British archer Jodie Grinham has etched her name in Paralympic history by becoming the first pregnant athlete to win a medal. Grinham, seven months pregnant, secured the bronze medal in the women’s individual compound at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
In a nail-biting bronze medal match on Friday, Grinham held her nerves to defeat Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist and close friend Phoebe Paterson Pine by a score of 142-141.
Despite the demanding physicality of the competition, Grinham remained focused, attributing her performance to the unwavering support of her “support bubble in her belly.”
“Baby hasn’t stopped kicking,” Grinham said. “It’s almost like baby’s going, what’s going on? It’s really loud, mommy what are you doing? But it’s been a lovely reminder of the support bubble I have in my belly. “
Grinham expressed immense pride in her achievement, recognizing the challenges she faced during her pregnancy.
“I’m really proud of myself, I’ve had difficulties and it’s not been easy. But as long as I’m healthy and baby’s healthy, I knew I could compete. I knew if I shot as well as I could, baby or not, I could come back as a medal.”
Grinham is not done yet. She will aim to add another medal to her collection when she competes in the mixed team compound quarter-finals on Monday alongside teammate Nathan McQueen.
