FRESH off the back of winning a gold and bronze at the Paralympic Games in Paris, Jodie Grinham was victorious in the National Tour: The Final, which took place in Nottingham on Saturday 7 September.
Adding the compound women National Tour title to her Paralympic gold in the Mixed Team Compound Open event and a Women’s Individual Compound Open bronze, Haverfordwest-born Jodie, who is almost eight months pregnant, returned from Paris to specifically compete.
The National Tour: The Final is the culmination of the 2024 Archery GB National Tour. Held at Wollaton Hall, the event also brought together debut finalists, world-record holders and members of the Team GB archery squad, in what was a true showdown of archery greatness.
A nail-biting compound women’s gold final saw Jodie face world number one, Ella Gibson. With the score at 118-117 in Ella’s favour going into the final end of the match, a 30 from Jodie to Ella’s 29 meant it went to a shoot-off.
With the audience on the edge of their seats, Ella and Jodie shot identical looking Xs, but after a measure from the judges, Jodie was awarded the gold podium spot.
Ella, who will be competing at this year’s World Cup Finals in October, took home silver while the bronze went to Patience Wood, who defeated Hallie Boulton 145-142.
Going into the National Tour: The Final right off the back of her success in Paris, Jodie said: “I felt confident in my shot, especially after the week I'd had. However, I was also so tired that I wasn't sure mentally if I'd be able to complete my shot fully. I knew I just needed to try my best.
“As much as I am extremely proud to have won what I have and have these amazing achievements, which I’m so happy about, I constantly want to improve. I enjoy the success and then the process of learning and improving before the next shoot.
“It was amazing to be back in the UK and although people wanted hugs, photos and to see medals, the respect shown to the fact I was competing was really sweet.”