Jodie Grinham and Nathan Macqueen Win Gold at Paris

Jodie Grinham pregnant para-archer and partner Nathan Macqueen secured gold for Great Britain in the mixed team compound final by defeating Iran 155-151. This victory added to Grinham’s impressive performance in Paris where she also earned bronze in the women’s individual compound category by defeating teammate Phoebe Paterson Pine.

At seven months pregnant, Grinham’s participation garnered significant media attention, highlighting her determination to inspire women. Despite facing complications and a recent hospital scare, she competed successfully. Grinham, who won compound team silver with John Stubbs in 2016 expressed her overwhelming joy.  Although she wanted to celebrate exuberantly, she chose a more measured approach due to her pregnancy.

In the mixed team final, Great Britain initially led by one point (39-38) after the first end. The scores tied at 77-77 midway through the match. Key contributions included a pair of 8s from Iran’s Hadi Nori which allowed GB to take a two-point lead (115-113) into the final end. GB responded with a perfect score of 40 to clinch the gold. Grinham and Macqueen, who was paralyzed in a motorbike accident at 18, finished second to India in the qualification round.

This result earned them a bye to the quarter-finals. They defeated Australia 150-141 in the quarter-finals and Italy 156-149 in the semi-finals to secure their spot in the final. Jodie Grinham emphasized their goal of demonstrating that nothing is impossible and praised her partnership with Macqueen, noting his crucial support.

The duo’s hard work and teamwork paid off as they returned with a well-deserved gold medal.