Brief Introduction of Jodie Ounsley
Jodie Ounsley is a multi-talented English television personality, former professional rugby union player, and a passionate advocate for the deaf community. She gained widespread recognition as “Fury” on the BBC One reboot of the television show Gladiators in 2024. Ounsley has made history as the first-ever deaf female rugby player to represent a senior England side and the world’s first deaf female rugby sevens international. Born profoundly deaf, she has become an inspirational figure, shattering barriers in sports and using her platform to raise awareness and empower others. Her remarkable journey from a multi-sport champion in athletics, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and even coal carrying to a celebrated television star and author showcases her immense resilience and determination.
Jodie Ounsley Overview
| Full Name | Jodie Ounsley |
| Date of Birth | 17 January 2001 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 24 |
| Birthplace | Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England |
| Profession | Television personality, former rugby union player, author, public speaker |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Phil Ounsley (Father), Jo Ounsley (Mother), Jack Ounsley (Brother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Ellen Ramsbottom |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Jodie Ounsley
Jodie Ounsley was born on January 17, 2001, in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. Born prematurely, she required medication that resulted in her becoming profoundly deaf. At just 14 months old, she became one of the youngest people in the UK to receive a cochlear implant, a life-changing procedure that allowed her to navigate the hearing world. From a young age, Ounsley displayed a natural athleticism and competitive spirit. Encouraged by her sporty family, she excelled in various disciplines. She was a five-time junior world coal carrying champion, a skill she picked up from her father who was also a champion in the sport. Additionally, she won five sprint titles at the Deaf Athletics Championship and a gold medal at the British Open Brazilian jiu-jitsu finals. Ounsley attended Shelley College, where her early sporting ambitions were temporarily hindered by Osgood-Schlatter Disease, a knee condition. Despite this setback, her resolve did not waver. She later pursued higher education at Loughborough College, where she studied for a degree in sports coaching and earned a BTEC Level 3 Diploma with top grades. Her time at The Elizabeth Foundation, a pre-school nursery for deaf children which she attended from three months old, played a crucial role in developing her communication and speech skills.
Jodie Ounsley’s Career
Jodie Ounsley’s career is a testament to her versatility and relentless drive. Initially making her mark in individual sports like athletics and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, she found her true calling in rugby. She began playing in October 2015 for her local club, Sandal Girls RUFC, and by May 2016, she was the top try-scorer for her age group and was representing Yorkshire. Her talent was quickly recognized, leading to a scholarship to Loughborough and a place in the Loughborough Lightning squad in 2018. Her professional club career saw her play for top Premier 15s teams, including Sale Sharks Women (2020–2022) and Exeter Chiefs Women (2022–2024).
Ounsley’s international career is particularly historic. In 2019, she became the first deaf female rugby player to play for a senior England side and the world’s first-ever deaf female rugby sevens international. She earned a full-time England 7s contract and made her World Sevens Series debut in Glendale, Colorado, scoring her first try in Cape Town in December 2019. Her achievements on the field led to her being named the Young Deaf Sports Personality of the Year in 2018 and the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year in 2020. Despite facing challenges, such as a significant shoulder injury in the 2023-24 season, she demonstrated incredible resilience. In April 2024, Ounsley announced her retirement from professional rugby to pursue new opportunities.
This new chapter led her to television stardom. In May 2023, she was unveiled as ‘Fury’ in the BBC’s reboot of Gladiators. As the show’s first deaf Gladiator, she quickly became a fan favorite, admired for her strength, fearlessness, and inspirational backstory. Beyond Gladiators, Ounsley has expanded her media presence, working as an interviewer for Channel 4’s coverage of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris and presenting at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. She has also ventured into writing, signing a two-book deal with Macmillan Children’s Books, with her debut book titled “Keep Smashing It: Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Confident.” In late 2025, she was announced as a celebrity contestant for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
Jodie Ounsley Personal Life & Family
Jodie Ounsley was raised in a close-knit and athletic family in West Yorkshire. Her father, Phil Ounsley, is a former professional mixed martial artist and a world champion coal carrier. He was also a contender on the 2008 Sky One reboot of Gladiators, serving as a major inspiration for Jodie’s own participation in the show. Her mother, Jo, and younger brother, Jack, who also plays rugby, have been incredibly supportive throughout her journey. The family also owns and runs The Ings Luxury Cat Hotel. Jodie is in a relationship with Ellen Ramsbottom, a former rugby teammate. She is a passionate advocate for the deaf community and uses her platform to inspire others. She is the Honorary President of UK Deaf Sport and a patron for The Elizabeth Foundation, a charity that supports preschool deaf children and which she attended as a toddler. Ounsley is open about the challenges of being a deaf athlete, often relying on lip-reading and visual cues during games, and speaks about how her deafness has contributed to her resilience and focus.
Awards and Achievements of Jodie Ounsley
- Young Deaf Sports Personality of the Year (2018)
- First deaf female rugby player to play for a senior England side (2019)
- World’s first-ever deaf female rugby sevens international (2019)
- Deaf Sports Personality of the Year (2020)
- Named in BBC Woman’s Hour “Women in Sport Power List” (2023)
- British Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion
- Five-time Junior World Coal Carrying Champion
- Gold medallist at the British Open Brazilian jiu-jitsu finals
- Guinness World Record for fastest 50m sprint carrying a 20kg coal bag (2025)
Jodie Ounsley Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Jodie Ounsley’s specific net worth is not publicly available. Her income is derived from a variety of sources, including her past career as a professional rugby player for clubs like Exeter Chiefs and her central contract with the England Rugby Sevens team. Following her retirement from rugby, her income streams have diversified significantly. She now earns from her role as ‘Fury’ on the popular BBC show Gladiators, her work as a television presenter and interviewer, public speaking engagements, and brand endorsements. Additionally, she has secured a two-book deal with a major publisher, which will contribute to her earnings. Her growing social media presence also provides opportunities for income through influencer marketing.
Legacy and Influence
Jodie Ounsley’s legacy is already profound, centered on breaking barriers and redefining perceptions of disability in elite sports and media. As the first deaf female rugby player to represent England at a senior level, she has paved the way for other deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, proving that physical challenges are not a barrier to reaching the pinnacle of sport. Her transition into television as ‘Fury’ on Gladiators further amplified her influence, making her a visible and powerful role model for a mainstream audience. She has demonstrated that deafness can be a “superpower,” contributing to her resilience and unique perspective. Ounsley actively uses her platform for advocacy, serving as the Honorary President of UK Deaf Sport and a patron for The Elizabeth Foundation. Through public speaking, her social media content, and her books, she inspires countless individuals, particularly young people, to overcome adversity and “keep smashing it.” Her story is a powerful narrative of turning challenges into strengths and using a public profile to foster inclusion and representation.
Interesting Facts about Jodie Ounsley
- Her father, Phil Ounsley, competed as a contender on the 2008 series of Gladiators, inspiring her to one day become a Gladiator herself.
- Before focusing on rugby, she was a five-time junior world champion in coal carrying.
- She wears a specially designed scrum cap during rugby matches to protect her cochlear implant.
- At 14 months old, she was one of the youngest people in the UK to undergo a cochlear implant procedure.
- Her family owns a luxury cat hotel in West Yorkshire.
- In 2021, she founded Not Just Anyone (NJA), a storytelling platform designed to inspire younger generations.
- She considers her deafness a “superpower,” believing it has helped her become more resilient, focused, and visually aware.
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies associated with Jodie Ounsley. Her public image is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on her inspirational journey, athletic achievements, and advocacy work.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@jodieounsley) – 98K+ followers
- TikTok (@jodieounsley) – 200K+ followers
- Twitter (@jodieounsley) – 5K+ followers
Final Words about Jodie Ounsley
Jodie Ounsley stands as a powerful and inspirational figure whose impact transcends the rugby pitch and the television screen. From her historic achievements as England’s first deaf female senior rugby player to her captivating role as ‘Fury’ on Gladiators, she has consistently defied expectations and shattered stereotypes. Her journey, marked by early-life deafness and overcoming physical setbacks, is a compelling story of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Having retired from professional rugby, Ounsley has seamlessly transitioned into a multi-faceted media personality, author, and advocate, using her ever-growing platform to champion inclusivity and inspire others, especially young people with disabilities. As she continues to explore new ventures, from presenting at the Paralympics to competing in celebrity dance competitions, Jodie Ounsley’s legacy as a trailblazer and a role model is firmly cemented, promising a future filled with continued influence and inspiration.
