A 31-year-old expectant mother from Haverfordwest has made headlines by securing a bronze medal at the Paralympics, despite being 28 weeks pregnant with her second child.
Jodie Grinham, who is competing in the archery events at the Paris 2024 Games, experienced a nerve-wracking weekend after her baby stopped moving, prompting her to spend two days in a Paris maternity ward. Fearing she might be going into early labour, Grinham remained determined to compete.
On Saturday evening, her perseverance paid off as she claimed the final podium spot in the women’s individual compound event. In a thrilling finish at the Esplanade des Invalides, Grinham edged out fellow Brit and defending champion Phoebe Paterson Pine by a single point. Trailing 113-115 after the fourth end, Grinham delivered an impressive score of 29 in the final end, including a crucial 10 on her last arrow. This put immense pressure on Paterson Pine, who needed a 10 to win or a nine to force a one-arrow shoot-off. However, Paterson Pine managed only an eight, handing Grinham the victory with a score of 142-141.
Reflecting on her achievement, Grinham said, “Baby hasn’t stopped kicking. It’s almost like baby’s going, ‘what’s going on, it’s really loud, mummy, what are you doing?’. But it has been a lovely reminder of the support bubble I have in my belly.”
Despite the challenges she faced, Grinham expressed immense pride in her performance. “I’m really proud of myself, I’ve had difficulties, and it’s not been easy. But as long as I’m healthy and baby’s healthy, I knew I could compete. I knew if I shot as well as I could, baby or not, I could come back with a medal.”
Grinham also shared her thoughts on the stigma surrounding physical activity during pregnancy, encouraging others to follow their instincts. “There is no stigma; the stereotype of things is completely irrelevant. If you feel able to do it, go and do it. If you want to start jogging or go to the gym, if your doctor says it’s fine, do it. If you’re happy and healthy, the baby is happy and healthy too.”
She noted that her partner had prepared a baby bag in case he needed to rush to Paris, adding that she had been in and out of hospital throughout the week. Grinham also mentioned the careful preparations she and her coach had made, practising with her bump to ensure it wouldn’t distract her during competition. “I would be at full draw and would feel that sensation. You acknowledge it and go, ‘I know you’re there, mummy loves you,’ and you carry on with your process, so it wasn’t a distraction.”
When asked how she would recount the experience to her child, Grinham quipped, “It will be like, ‘You were on the podium’. The youngest member to be on the podium.”
Grinham is set to compete again today in the mixed team compound event alongside Nathan MacQueen, with whom she won a silver medal at Rio 2016.
