Who is Gladiators star Fury? All about Jodie Ounsley

JODIE Ounsley is swapping the rugby pitch to compete in the famous Gladiators arena.

Taking on the name of Fury, she is set to show off her skills on the show.

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Who is Jodie Ounsley?

Jodie Ounsley started her sporting career known as a rugby star.

She is a former England Women's Rugby Seven's player but is now challenging herself as one of the new Gladiators.

Jodie is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British Champion and five times World Coal Carrying champion.

The sports star also has has Gladiators in her blood with her father being a contender on the show in 2008.

Speaking about this, she told the BBC: "The biggest reason (for signing up) is because my dad was a contender in a previous series, so Gladiators has been a big part of our family since I was little.

"I loved watching how physical the Gladiators were but then I also loved watching my dad go through the process as well, so he’s clearly been a massive influence and it's pretty cool that I can do it too."

Jodie has since been training to outdo him and when she was younger she dressed up as a Gladiator and practiced the games in her living room.

Talking about being part of the Gladiators line-up, Jodie said: "Watching Gladiators growing up I was always in awe of their strength and power and now I am one!

"I hope contenders are ready to feel the Fury."

The rugby ace also summed up the new series and said: "Savage. Exciting. Fresh.

"I think it's cool because they've kept it very much like the original but then they've also added a really nice, modern twist on it.

"I think people will like that it’s not completely changed it or that we’ve tried to make it something that isn't.

"We have just tried to expand on something that was already great."

What age is Jodie Ounsley?

Jodie was born on January 17, 2001, making her 22-years-old as of January 2024.

This makes her a Capricorn.

Capricorns are known to be overachievers as well as being persistent, practical, and sensitive.

They're known for their hardworking habits, and they're overachievers who make success look effortless even though they put a lot of time and care into their careers and relationships.

Is Jodie Ounsley deaf?

Jodie won the title of Deaf Sports Personality of The Year in 2020.

She was the world’s first-ever deaf female rugby sevens player to be selected for a full international and the first deaf female rugby player to play for a senior England side.

Jodie is an ambassador for The Elizabeth Foundation charity, a pre-school nursery for deaf children.

She is the Honorary President of UK Deaf Sport and in 2023 she was named among Women’s Hour Power List 2023 Women in Sport.