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Pregnant Jodie Grinham makes history by winning a bronze medal in Paralympic archery.

Pregnant Jodie Grinham makes history by winning a bronze medal in Paralympic archery.

Jodie Grinham becomes the first pregnant woman to win a Paralympic medal, securing bronze in a dramatic shoot-off against fellow Briton Phoebe Paterson Pine.

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As the sun set behind the Eiffel Tower, Jodie Grinham made history by becoming what is believed to be the first openly pregnant woman to win a Paralympic medal. She secured bronze in a thrilling shoot-off against her close friend and fellow Briton, Phoebe Paterson Pine.

In a tense individual compound open match, Paterson Pine, the Tokyo gold medalist, held a narrow lead going into the final end. Needing a 10 to win or a 9 to force a one-arrow shoot-off, she unfortunately shot an 8, allowing Grinham to claim the bronze. The two hugged afterward, sharing a moment of sportsmanship and friendship that dates back to their teenage years, having trained together since 2014.

"I knew I needed a 10 to put pressure on her," Grinham said. "Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s tough when it’s a teammate, but we both understand that’s just part of the sport." socialadd

Grinham, known for her tall stature, bold pink fringe, and blue-tipped hair, has a remarkable ability to hit the center of a target. However, being seven months pregnant required adjustments. She wore a lower-slung quiver around her belly, which meant altering how she lifted and held the bow. Flat shoes helped her maintain balance, crucial in a sport where concentration is key.

Adding to the challenge, her baby’s frequent kicks became an unexpected distraction. "The baby hasn’t stopped moving," Grinham shared. "It's like the baby is asking, ‘What are you doing?’ But it's been an honor to have that little support bubble with me."

Grinham admitted that she was concerned the baby’s movements might affect her shot. To prepare, she and her coach spent time adapting to the sensations of pregnancy during practice. Even during matches, she found herself mentally reassuring her baby, promising cuddles after each shot. "I know it’s a lot of noise and a lot of heartbeat," she said, giving her belly a comforting stroke after each match.

Grinham is now at the same stage of pregnancy when she went into premature labor with her first child, Christian, who is now two years old. Despite the risks, she was determined to prove that it’s possible to compete at an elite level during late pregnancy. She took precautions, ensuring the venue at Les Invalides was close to a hospital, and spent the week leading up to the competition in and out of medical checks. But for Grinham, breaking boundaries made it all worthwhile.

"There’s no stigma," she emphasized. "The stereotypes are irrelevant. If you feel you can do it, and the doctor says it’s fine, then go for it."

Archery has been part of the Paralympics since the inaugural Games in Rome in 1960, but few events have had a more picturesque setting than the Esplanades des Invalides. With the Eiffel Tower’s silhouette on one side, the gilded dome of the Hotel des Invalides on another, and the neatly trimmed trees and bronze-winged horses of Pont Alexandre III overlooking the arena, it was a competition to remember.

Two crowd favorites, however, faced early exits. Seventeen-year-old Sheetal Devi from India, an armless archer who draws her bowstring with her teeth, was eliminated in the early rounds, despite her 312,000 Instagram followers cheering her on. And French archer Julie Rigault Chupin, despite the home crowd’s enthusiastic support, was knocked out in the quarterfinals. After receiving a consoling back rub from her coach, she left the stadium to a roaring ovation.

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