Jodie Ounsley

Jodie Ounsley is a trailblazing athlete, dynamic social media influencer, and speaker known for her remarkable journey as a profoundly deaf individual who achieved success in sports and beyond. Her career has seen her represent Great Britian on a national and international scale, as a sprinter, jiu-jitsui wrestler and rugby player. Jodie has more recently entered the realm of television with her role as ‘Fury’ in the 2024 BBC One reboot of ‘Gladiators’

Jodie’s early career was shaped by her passion for sports and her determination to defy the odds. Born with profound deafness, Jodie faced numerous challenges growing up, but she never allowed her condition to hinder her ambitions. From a young age, she showed an exceptional talent for sports, which led her to pursue rugby – eventually being selected to play for the England Deaf Rugby team, at that point being the youngest player to ever play for the team. Jodie then went on to play for the Premier 15s side Exeter Chiefs Women as a winger, becoming the first deaf female to play for a senior England rugby side.

Throughout her career, Jodie has accumulated a wealth of achievements that highlight her dedication, talent, and influence. In addition to her pioneering role in rugby, she has also achieved success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and sprinting, becoming a Gold medallist at the European Deaf Athletics Championships in the 100m in 2012 and representing Great Britain in the Deaflympics, 2018. Her role as ‘Fury’ in the 2024 BBC One reboot of ‘Gladiators’ stands as a testament to her physical prowess and ability to inspire a broad audience. Beyond her athletic endeavours, Jodie has used her platform to advocate for the deaf community and raise awareness about accessibility and inclusivity in sports. She has been a motivational figure for many, sharing her story of overcoming adversity to encourage others to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Jodie Ounsley is an exceptional choice for those looking to hire a speaker, host or presenter who can address topics such as resilience, overcoming adversity, and the importance of accessibility in sports and life. Her personal journey is a powerful narrative that resonates with diverse audiences, making her an influential figure in both the sports world and the wider community. Jodie’s story is not just about personal achievement but about the broader implications of overcoming challenges and breaking barriers, making her an inspiring figure for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.