Seven-month pregnant para archer Jodie Grinham competed in the heats of the women’s individual compound on day one.
Rio 2016 silver medallist Grinham, 31, is believed to be the first woman that far into pregnancy to have been selected for the British Paralympic team, and hopes she can send out a powerful message to women.
The Briton progressed to the last 16 after setting a personal best score of 693 to place fourth overall, while team-mate and defending champion Phoebe Patterson Pine will hope to join her in the next phase.
“It’s brilliant to get that score, I want to compete. I didn’t want this Games to just be about a pregnant woman taking part, I wanted to be competitive,” Grinham said.
“I’m pregnant, so what? If I worked in an office they’d be fine with me working there until I’m 39 weeks pregnant. What’s the difference competing at the Paralympics? I want to be a mother and an athlete. I’m not willing to sacrifice either of them.”