New Delhi: Jodie Grinham is breaking stereotypes at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympics. Jodie, a mum to a toddler son and seven months pregnant, has emerged as a symbol of women’s empowerment in Paris courtesy of her extraordinary performances. Defying all the odds, the British para-archer, despite being heavily pregnant, has won two medals at the Paris Games.
Jodie won her second medal on Monday, clinching gold for Great Britain with her partner Nathan Macqueen in the mixed team compound event. The British pair defeated Iran 155-151 in the final.
Earlier, Jodie beat team-mate Phoebe Paterson Pine to win women’s compound bronze on Saturday.
Since qualifying for the Paris Paralympics, Jodie had only one thing on her mind – to send out a powerful message to women. Her participation and medal-winning feats have attracted worldwide media attention.
“The idea was to show that nothing is impossible and to go out there and smash it,” Jodie told BBC Wales.
Against all odds
Paris , France – 31 August 2024; Jodie Grinham of Great Britain with her women’s individual compound open bronze medal during the medal ceremony on day three of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at Eplanade des Invalides in Paris, France. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Jodie’s achievement is a hallmark of her mental strength and never-say-die attitude but even the toughest of them all endure frightening moments.
Last week, Jodie had to go to a Parisian hospital for a check-up. Fortunately, she was released and cleared to compete.
Her teammate, Scotland’s Macqueen, 33, was paralysed in a motorbike accident when he was 18.
The Welsh-Scottosh duo finished second behind India in Thursday’s qualification round and qualified for the quarter-finals courtesy of a bye.
The British pair edged past Australia 150-141 in the quarters before overcoming Italy 156-149 in the semi-final.
Jodie, on Saturday, became the first openly pregnant woman to win a medal at the Paralympics. She won a thrilling women’s individual compound match 142-141 against her good friend and compatriot Patersono to claim a bronze. Overall, Jodie has won three Paralympic medals in her career so far. She also bagged a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.
Paris Paralympics: Since qualifying for the marquee event, para-archer Jodie Grinham had only one thing on her mind – to send out a powerful message to women. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
