British archer Jodie Grinham made history by winning her first Paralympic medal while seven months pregnant.
Grinham secured the bronze in the women’s compound open, marking an unprecedented achievement in the world of Paralympic sports.
Focused despite baby kicking inside tummy
Grinham’s journey to the podium was anything but ordinary. She faced the unique challenge of competing with her baby kicking, a reminder of the little life growing inside her.
“The baby’s kicking which is great – we got to the third end and I was like, ‘Not right now, mommy loves you but we’ll do kickies in a minute,” she shared with reporters. Despite the distractions, Grinham’s focus remained unwavering, a testament to her determination and skill.
The Paralympic Games website captured Grinham’s post-match thoughts, where she described the experience of having her baby with her throughout the competition. “The baby hasn’t stopped, it’s like the baby is going, ‘What’s going on, it’s really loud, mommy, what are you doing?’ But it’s been like a little honor knowing that the baby’s there and just a reminder of the little support bubble that I’ve got in my tummy,” she added.
A moment of national pride
Grinham’s victory was not just a personal triumph but also a moment of national pride. According to a CNN report, she narrowly defeated her teammate Phoebe Paterson Pine in a closely contested match, showcasing the depth of talent within the British archery team. Meanwhile, Turkey’s Öznur Cüre Girdi emerged victorious in the final, securing the gold medal against Iran’s Fatemeh Hemmati.
Preparing for the Paralympics while pregnant required Grinham to adapt her training and technique. The constant changes in her body’s stance and routine due to her growing bump necessitated innovative training methods. “My coach and I spent a long time doing little pregnancy preps of her (the coach) moving me and moving the bump, so I could get used to that feeling,” Grinham explained.
With her sights set on further success, Grinham is poised to compete in the mixed team compound quarter-finals alongside Nathan McQueen. Her message to the world is clear: “I didn’t want people to see it as, ‘Oh, there’s a pregnant lady going to a Games,'” she said. “I want them to say, ‘Wow, a pregnant lady can compete at the highest level and medal,’ showing you anything is possible. Just go and do it. You want to do it? Then do it.” Grinham’s inspiring story is a reminder that with determination and resilience, any challenge can be overcome.