August 31, (THEWILL) – British Paralympic archer, Jodie Grinham, won bronze in the women’s individual compound open event at the 2024 Paralympics while seven months pregnant. The 31-year-old narrowly defeated fellow Briton Phoebe Paterson Pine 142-141 to claim her medal on Saturday.
“I am really proud of myself. I have had difficulties and it has not been easy. But as long as I am healthy and the baby is healthy, I knew we could compete,” Grinham said after her victory. She added that her unborn child had been active during the competition, describing it as “a lovely reminder of the support bubble I have in my belly.”
This marks Grinham’s return to the Paralympic podium since winning silver in the mixed team compound event at the 2016 Games. The archer competes with a congenital condition called brachydactyly, which affects her left hand and arm. Grinham and her partner Christopher have previously experienced three miscarriages.
Currently ranked 10th in the world for compound women’s open, Grinham had joked with her team about the possibility of her waters breaking on the podium. Her achievement follows that of Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez, who competed in the women’s sabre event at the Paris Olympics last month while also seven months pregnant.
Grinham’s success demonstrates the remarkable abilities of Paralympic athletes and highlights the growing trend of women competing at the highest levels during pregnancy. Her story is likely to inspire many and bring attention to the challenges and triumphs of athletes balancing sport and motherhood.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
