Jodie Ounsley: A Trailblazer in Sports and Television
Born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, in 2001, Jodie Ounsley has carved a unique path as an athlete, television personality, and author. As a former England rugby sevens player, she made history by becoming the first deaf female rugby player for a senior England side. In 2024, she joined the BBC revival of the iconic series Gladiators, where she competes under the name Fury. That same year, she also served as a presenter for the 2024 Paralympics. Her second book, Strong Girls, co-authored with Becky Grey, is set for release on April 9.
Early Years: A Fiery and Determined Spirit
From a young age, Ounsley exhibited a fierce and competitive nature. At just six years old, after returning from karate practice, her mother suggested taking a photo. Instead of a polite smile, Ounsley instinctively struck a deadly pose, a moment that encapsulates her early mentality. She describes herself as a tough girl who thrived on contact sports, driven by determination and fearlessness. Her hero was Usain Bolt, and she aspired to match his speed, treating school sports days with Olympic-level seriousness.
Her family played a crucial role in nurturing her athletic ambitions. Her mother provided unwavering emotional support, while her grandparents celebrated her victories with post-race carvery meals. Weekends were spent training with her father, followed by bonding over chicken nuggets and Britain's Got Talent. Her father, a former contestant on the original Gladiators series, was a significant inspiration. He recognized her potential early on when he saw her mimicking his coal-carrying feats by running around the kitchen with a sack of carrots on her back.
Overcoming Barriers and Finding Rugby
As Ounsley entered high school, she began to feel different from her peers. While most girls played hockey or netball, she preferred sports that involved physical contact. This sense of isolation led her to experiment with other activities, such as football, ballet, and tap, but she quickly realized they weren't the right fit. Everything changed when she discovered rugby, though her journey was not without obstacles.
Born profoundly deaf, Ounsley received a cochlear implant at 14 months old. Initially, doctors advised against contact sports due to the risks associated with the implant's magnet. However, after watching her younger brother play rugby and falling in love with the sport, she persistently nagged her parents until her father found a solution: she could play if she wore a scrum cap. This breakthrough allowed her career to flourish, and she takes immense pride in navigating these barriers as a deaf athlete. One of her proudest achievements was earning her first England cap in rugby, a goal she had long pursued.
Becoming Fury on Gladiators
When Ounsley learned that Gladiators was seeking new competitors, she applied without high expectations. After a successful trial and meeting with producers, she shared her passion for helping children and making the world more accessible for disabled people. Her message resonated, and she was cast as Fury, a name that reflects her competitive spirit. She explains that she switches into game mode when needed but is otherwise shy, warm, and introverted, relying on a fake-it-till-you-make-it approach to confidence.
Her first experience with public recognition was a humble moment: while in pajamas and a sling due to a shoulder injury, she was spotted by excited children in a corner shop. Despite her rising fame, Ounsley remains grounded, attributing her humility to her family, who would quickly correct any signs of arrogance.
Coping with Grief and Personal Growth
Last year, Ounsley faced the sudden loss of her father, a profound challenge that has affected her family in different ways. She copes by focusing on goals, such as training and work, and by talking about him, though she is careful not to become overly preoccupied. During this difficult time, she relies heavily on her support network, including her mother and girlfriend, Ellen.
Ounsley and Ellen have been friends since she was 16, and their relationship has blossomed into a source of comfort and stability. Ellen provides practical support, such as helping when Ounsley forgets her implant battery, demonstrating the same problem-solving spirit her father embodied. Reflecting on her journey, Ounsley believes the young girl in that early photo would be shocked and proud of her accomplishments, reassured that despite her growth, she remains the same strong and determined person at heart.
