Seven months pregnant, Jodie Grinham has made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by winning a bronze medal in the compound women’s archery event, capturing the attention of the entire Paralympic community.
The 31-year-old archer delivered a stunning performance, overcoming her teammate and defending champion Phoebe Paterson Pine in a thrilling bronze medal match. Despite trailing by 2 points going into the final end, Grinham made a remarkable comeback with a nine and two 10s to secure her medal.
“I wasn’t expecting this outcome,” Grinham admitted. “I knew I had the ability, but I wasn’t certain I would win a medal. There were no guarantees.”
Grinham’s achievement, while pregnant, made her a fan favorite and garnered significant international media coverage. The official Paris 2024 Paralympics channel also celebrated her accomplishment.
Grinham is the first pregnant athlete to stand on a Paralympic podium.
“In interviews, I’ve emphasized that I didn’t want just to participate while pregnant. I aimed to compete and win medals while pregnant, and I’m glad I achieved that,” she said.
On her journey to bronze, Grinham won three closely contested matches, with her only loss coming from the dominant Oznur Cure Girdi, who went on to win Paralympic gold.
Feeling her baby kick during the competition, Grinham became more emotional. “I definitely cried more than ever before, which is probably saying something!”
To adapt to her changing body, Grinham had to modify her shooting equipment. “We had to adjust the stabilisation because my front is becoming heavier. It’s crucial to make daily adjustments. If I need to add weight, I do,” she explained.
Grinham was prepared for the challenges and never complained. “I accept that today is different. If the baby moves, it affects my balance, so we adjust the stabilisation weight accordingly,” she said. “Professional archers constantly adjust their equipment. Being pregnant is no different; you just have to be more aware of your body.”
Grinham’s goal was never just to participate; she aimed to compete and win, and her bronze medal is proof of her success. The intense media attention surprised her but also helped convey her message.
“I didn’t realize how much of an inspiration this would be and how much interest it would generate,” Grinham confessed. “I wanted people to see that a pregnant woman can compete at the highest level and win a medal.”
She hopes to inspire other women, showing that it is possible to balance competitive sports and motherhood. Having had a son two years ago and returning to competition while pregnant, Grinham challenges the stigma that a woman’s career ends after having a baby.
“It doesn’t matter. I had a baby two years ago, I’m pregnant now, and I’ve medalled. I plan to continue my career,” she said. “I want to take a few months off and then return for the World Championships next year.”
Grinham has achieved something unprecedented. “I will tell the baby, ‘You were on the Paralympic podium,’” she said with a smile.
With her determination and talent, Jodie Grinham is set to continue making her mark, both as an athlete and a mother of two.
