Jodie Grinham becomes first pregnant woman to win Paralympic medal, secures bronze in archery

Jodie Grinham made history by becoming the first openly pregnant woman to win a Paralympic medal, securing bronze in a dramatic archery shoot-off against fellow Briton Phoebe Paterson Pine. The match, held at the Esplanade des Invalides in Paris, saw Paterson Pine, the reigning gold medalist from Tokyo, hold a narrow lead into the final end. However, nerves got the better of her, and a missed shot led to a one-arrow shoot-off, where Grinham clinched victory.

Grinham, who is seven months pregnant, has had to make significant adjustments to her technique, including wearing a low-slung quiver and flat shoes to maintain balance. Despite the challenges, including her baby’s movements during the competition, Grinham remained focused. "The baby hasn’t stopped [moving],” she told reporters, adding, "It was really starting to worry me that the baby was going to move when I was at full draw."

The 49-year-old athlete, who went into premature labor with her first child at the same stage of pregnancy, took extra precautions to ensure her safety, including checking the proximity of the nearest hospital. Grinham emphasized that her achievement breaks down stereotypes about pregnancy and elite competition, saying, “There is no stigma... If the doctor says it’s fine, then go and do it.”

The event took place in a stunning setting with the Eiffel Tower and the gilded dome of the Hotel des Invalides in the backdrop. The competition also saw early exits from crowd favorites, including India’s armless archer Sheetal Devi and France’s Julie Rigault Chupin.