Who is Gladiators star Sabre? All about Sheli McCoy
WEIGHTLIFTING champion Sheli McCoy has joined the cast of the BBC reboot of 1990s classic Gladiators.
She is starring on the competition as Sabre, and will feature alongside a stellar line-up of athletes and sports stars.
Who is Sheli McCoy?
Sheli McCoy is a weightlifting champion and personal trainer.
She runs a gym in her hometown of Dundee, Scotland, called SweatBox.
McCoy has previously opened up about being a female business owner, telling inov-8 in an interview: "I won't let myself believe my gender specifically plays a role in my challenges of being a business person or a gym owner.
"I believe if I show up, work hard and build a team of talented individuals to provide the best of service and care then gender is immaterial."
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In 2023 it was confirmed that McCoy had joined the BBC reboot of the 90s TV hit Gladiators as Sabre.
Her character is described as fierce, powerful and agile - but with a killer instinct.
McCoy herself said: "She loves to encourage a good game and see the contenders do well…. up to a certain point.
"But it's her game to win and after playing with you for a while, she'll take you down.
McCoy has made no secret of how much being a part of the Gladiators reboot means to her, and how much of a fan of the original show she was as a youngster.
The star told the BBC ahead of her debut on the show: "I was a very little, hopeful girl and my mum and dad loved Gladiators.
"I would get my hair washed on a Saturday and sit down and my mum would brush and plait my hair while we all watched Gladiators.
"I remember Powerball, The Wall..I remember Jet and Lightning, and Nightshade. And I genuinely remember feeling that these women were superheroes; they were the female version of Superman and everyone loved them."
In 2023, after her role in the show was confirmed, McCoy posted a similarly heartwarming message on social media.
She told her online followers "It's with a full heart I can finally say out loud - I am a gladiator.
"I truly hope Sabre will inspire and empower the younger generation of strong capable females just as the Gladiators I once watched inspired me to be a confident athletic woman."
She continued: "It's a dream come true.
"I'll be taking part in the old, iconic games my mum and I once watched and I can't wait to attack the new ones with her watching."
Some of the other characters taking part in the new series of Gladiator include Fire, Fury, Diamond and Phantom.
The show, which officially launches on Saturday January 13 at 5:50pm on BBC One and iPlayer. will be hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney.
What age is Sheli McCoy?
Sheli McCoy's exact birthday is not yet known so her age is yet to be made public.
She is thought to be between the ages of 35 - 39 as in 2023 she competed in that category 35-39 at the CrossFit championships.
What weightlifting events has Sheli McCoy competed in?
McCoy has competed in five British Weightlifting Championships events.
She has also taken part in several CrossFit championships all over the world, travelling to locations such as London, Madrid and Tenerife.
McCoy has been Scottish champion in both weightlifting and CrossFit.
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In 2023 she was ranked on the CrossFit Games website number 104 worldwide and number four for the UK in for women 35-39 in weightlifting.
According to her Gladiators profile, she can deadlift 160kg - a weight heavier than a baby African elephant.