Our beloved Gladiators is back and better than you remember! It’s a classic case of the age-old favourite TV show returning to the screens, and it will be happening on BBC One. Our review of the new Gladiators stars takes us to one that leaves quite the impression once you’ve wrapped your head around her genius.
Fury from Gladiator is one of the more modern additions to the show, and you need very little explanation on what to expect from Jodie ‘Fury’ Ounsley. Born in Dewsbury, Jodie is what you get when you mix grit with unbelievable talent. She was born premature, and subsequent medication rendered her deaf in both ears. Even after a cochlear procedure, Jodie had a permanent impairment that left her having to lip-read throughout her childhood.
Funny how all that experience toughens a kid. Fast forward to her late teens, and Fury from Gladiators is already making waves in women’s rugby. She scored in a rugby final for Yorkshire, represented the England U18s against Wales U18s, and signed for Loughborough Lightning in 2018, going on to win the Young Deaf Sports Personality award for the year.
Jodie has had quite an illustrious career in rugby, setting and breaking records as she goes. She is the first deaf female rugby player to represent England at the senior level after stepping onto the big stage in 2019 and the first deaf player to participate in a rugby sevens international game after her debut in Colorado. She then picked the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year 2020 award for all her achievements.
In 2022, Jodie signed for the Exeter Chiefs Women side from the Sales Sharks Women team. She plays as a winger in the rugby 15s events.
Fury from Gladiators also has a solid background in martial arts; her father was a former mixed martial artist, and she is a former Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion. She has always aspired to be a gladiator from watching the shows and training to be better than her father, who was a contender on the show in 2008. And there, you have the personality to match the role.
Away from sports, Jodie is active in campaigns for deaf kids, as she is an ambassador for The Elizabeth Charity Foundation, a preschool nursery for deaf children. She is also the honorary President of UK Deaf Sport.
In a recent interview with Daily Mail, Fury from Gladiators broke down in tears after trying out XRAI Glass’ new technology that helps deaf people see conversations. “As much as I love to embrace my deafness and stay positive about it, it’s a really isolating place at times…Something like this could make it so much easier.”
Find out more about other Gladiators: Everything You Need to Know About Fire From Gladiators and 5 Facts About Gladiators Star Quang Viper Luong.
