Pregnant Paralympian Jodie Grinham Aims for History and Heart at Paris Games

Jodie Grinham, a determined archer representing Great Britain, is poised to make history at this month’s Paralympic Games, competing while 28 weeks pregnant. As she prepares to shoot her first arrow in the compound archery competition at Les Invalides in Paris, Grinham is on the cusp of becoming what she believes will be the first Paralympian to compete at such a late stage of pregnancy. With a playful sense of humor, Grinham remarked during a video call from her training camp in St-Germain-en-Laye, “My team have joked a few times that my waters could just break on the podium. That would be quite something.” However, the significance of her journey extends far beyond the potential for a memorable moment; it embodies a powerful message about motherhood and athleticism. At 31 years old, Grinham is not only a dedicated athlete but also a mother to her son, Christian, who was born in October 2022. Balancing the demands of training with parenting has been no small feat, especially while managing the side effects of her current pregnancy. Having previously won a silver medal in the mixed team compound event at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Grinham has a wealth of experience, yet this time she faces an added layer of complexity. Grinham was born with a congenital condition known as brachysyndactyly, which affects her arms and hands. She describes herself as having “no fingers and half a thumb,” with varying arm lengths and an underdeveloped shoulder on her left side. Her physical challenges have not deterred her, however. Instead, they have shaped her perspective on competing while pregnant. “We decided we weren't going to let a Games stop us from extending our family,” Grinham shared. This decision comes with an understanding of the fragility of pregnancy, having faced three miscarriages prior to her son’s birth. “Getting pregnant is not as easy as people believe. It’s not that simple.” Grinham's journey to this point has not been without its trials. During her first pregnancy, she experienced premature labor at 28 weeks and faced numerous health challenges. After Christian was born, he spent time in an incubator due to severe jaundice, a situation that deeply affected Grinham. Now, as she prepares for her second child, she faces uncertainty about her physical capabilities and the risks involved in competing in the Paralympics. Doctors have warned her about potential complications during this pregnancy, particularly concerning her body’s ability to handle the weight of the baby due to her unique physical condition. Nonetheless, Grinham and her team have devised meticulous plans for her time in Paris, including identifying local maternity wards and hospitals in case of an emergency. Despite the challenges, Grinham remains optimistic and eager to compete. She embraces the adjustments necessary for her training, having made modifications to her shooting technique and equipment to accommodate her growing bump. The support from her coach, Charlotte Burgess, a mother and former Olympic archer, and her team has been crucial in navigating this uncharted territory. “It's been the weirdest training I've ever done in my life. But it's been fun,” Grinham said with a smile, reflecting on the adaptations she has made. She has even introduced “pregnancy prep sessions” during training to simulate the movements and sensations associated with having a baby on board. As the day of competition approaches, Grinham is aware that her baby's movements could coincide with her crucial moments on the field. Yet, rather than feeling anxious, she embraces the experience, saying, “If I go to the Games and I'm in the gold final and the baby kicks me and I lose gold, then what? What did I expect? I knew the risks.” In a sport where pregnancy has historically been overlooked, Grinham hopes her participation will inspire others to see that motherhood and athleticism can coexist. “It’s only very recently athletes are starting to be accepted as being pregnant or mothers as well. I’m hoping more pregnant women will see they can carry on training and compete,” she explained. Her family will not be present in Paris, a decision made to ease the emotional strain on her young son, who struggles to understand the demands of competition. Grinham finds comfort in knowing that her partner, Christopher, and Christian are settled at home, allowing her to focus entirely on her performance. “I believe I can medal, pregnancy aside,” she asserted confidently. “I’m shooting the best I’ve ever shot. I want to medal.” For Grinham, success at the Paralympic Games will not solely be measured in medals but also in the joy of welcoming a new baby into her family. “If I were to compete, then come November give birth to a happy, healthy baby, that would be enough success,” she said. “I get to have fun and I get a prize at the end of it, whether it's a medal -- but I get a baby, and that's what I want.”