Pregnant para-archer Grinham clinches a bronze medal in Paris

 

Jodie Grinham, a pregnant para-archer, triumphed over her ParalympicsGB teammate and reigning champion Phoebe Paterson Pine to secure the bronze medal in the women's individual compound event.

This bronze medal, achieved in Paris, marks Grinham's first individual Paralympic accolade, following her silver medal in the compound mixed team event at the 2016 Rio Games.

After falling behind by two points at the conclusion of the fourth end, Grinham, who is seven months pregnant and hails from Haverfordwest, delivered an impressive score of 29 in the fifth and final end.

This score proved insurmountable for Paterson Pine, who managed only 26 points, resulting in a narrow defeat of 142-141.

"I am extremely proud of my achievement; I have faced numerous challenges, and it has not been an easy journey," remarked the 31-year-old Grinham, who experienced health issues during her stay in Paris.

"However, as long as both my baby and I are healthy, I was confident in our ability to compete. I believed that if I performed to the best of my ability, I could return with a medal.

"My baby has been quite active, almost as if it is curious about the commotion, asking, 'What is happening, mummy?' This experience has served as a wonderful reminder of the support I have within me."

Grinham is scheduled to compete again on Monday in the mixed team compound event alongside Nathan MacQueen.