Jodie Grinham and Nathan Macqueen become the 2024 Paralympic Compound Open mixed team champions.
After earning themselves a bye through to the 1/8 round, GB’s first match was against the Australian team. The Brit’s took the lead from the very first end, only increasing their advantage with each arrow they shot. By the last end, they just needed a scoring arrow to finish to take the win; they shot 150-141 points to send them through to the semi-final.
The semi-finals saw GB face the Italian duo, including the current World Para Champion, Matteo Bonacina. Once again, the British team set the pace, gaining a two point lead after the first end. Going into the final four arrows, GB were a comfortable five points ahead, but they didn’t let off the gas. They finished the match with a perfect 40 points to take the win, equalling the Paralympic record with 156 which was set at the Tokyo Games.
GB took to the stage for the last time for this Games for the pivotal match, the gold final. They faced the Iranian duo, containing Fatemeh Hemmati who won individual silver yesterday. After two ends, both teams were tied 77-77. In the third end, two eights from Iran opened the door for GB, giving them a two point advantage. GB grabbed this opportunity, shooting a perfect 40 to win them the Paralympic title. This victory marks the 700th gold For ParalympicsGB since 1960.
Jodie and Nathan celebrate their gold medal win.
Nathan told us: "I took a lot of deep breaths, talked to Jodie and had a laugh. We've known each other for almost a decade, we've just got a good bond and we know we've got each other's backs."
"I've just become Paralympic champion in front of my family. To be able to do that is amazing."
Tears of joys were shed between the British duo. This was Nathan Macqueen’s very first Paralympic medal after competing at a total of three Games. Jodie was able to upgrade her silver mixed team medal from Rio 2016 to the coveted gold, making this her second appearance on the podium of this Paralympics. Not only was she the first ever pregnant Paralympian to make the podium yesterday, but now she has made history, becoming the first ever pregnant Paralympic champion!
About her teammate, Nathan, Jodie said: "I don't think there's anyone I would rather become Paralympic champion with. I've watched him grow in the sport, I've watched him become a dad. It's a true honour."
"This is why I do sport. Being here, having the crowds, having the adrenaline and the meaning behind it. You're not just shooting for the sake of it, you're shooting for something. That's where the real enjoyment and the real competition shots come out."
