Jodie Grinham, a Paralympic archer from Britain, is preparing to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games while seven months pregnant.
Grinham, who will be competing in the compound archery event at Les Invalides in Paris, is set to make history as one of the first athletes to compete in such an advanced stage of pregnancy.
The 31-year-old Grinham is no stranger to overcoming challenges. She previously won a silver medal in the mixed team compound category at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
This despite a congenital condition that affects the length and development of her limbs, brachysyndactyly.
Grinham has consistently defied expectations. Now, she is balancing the demands of elite sports with the complexities of pregnancy.
Grinham’s journey into motherhood has been fraught with obstacles. She and her partner, Christopher, experienced three miscarriages before successfully conceiving their first child, Christian, born in October 2022.
In an interview with The Athletic, During her previous pregnancy, Grinham reflected on facing severe complications and was on bed rest from 16 weeks. Christian, born prematurely, spent his initial days in an incubator due to severe jaundice, which made it a particularly challenging time for the new mother.
This time around, Grinham is facing a different set of challenges. Doctors have been cautious about her ability to carry to full term due to her condition.
Despite these concerns, Grinham and her team have meticulously prepared for every eventuality, including mapping out the nearest maternity wards in Paris.
Her decision to compete while pregnant has been met with both support and humor from her peers. “My team have joked a few times that my waters could just break on the podium,” Grinham shared with a laugh.
“That would be quite something.” The light-hearted comment reflects the blend of seriousness and humor that has characterized Grinham’s approach to this unprecedented endeavor.
Adjustments to her training and technique have been extensive. From modifying her bow’s stabilizers to accommodating her growing bump with custom gear, Grinham has adapted her sport to her changing body.
Her coach, Charlotte Burgess, has also devised unique training exercises to simulate the sensations of pregnancy during practice, ensuring Grinham remains focused and prepared.
Despite these challenges, Grinham remains optimistic. “I believe I can medal, pregnancy aside,” she said. “I’m shooting the best I’ve ever shot. I feel more experienced than I’ve ever been.”
Her family, including Christopher and Christian, will not be in Paris but will support her from home.
Grinham’s decision to leave her toddler behind, despite the emotional difficulty, was made to ensure she can fully concentrate on her performance.
