Jodie Ounsley – Biography, Age, Deafness and Gladiator Fury
Jodie Ounsley is a former professional rugby player, television personality, and children’s author who rose to fame as “Fury” on the BBC’s revived Gladiators. Born profoundly deaf, she became the first deaf woman to represent a senior England rugby squad and later transitioned into entertainment, publishing a bestselling book and competing on Celebrity MasterChef. Her story is one of resilience, advocacy, and reinvention.
At 24 years old (born January 17, 2001), Ounsley has already packed multiple careers into a short span. From the rugby pitch to the television studio, she has used her platform to raise awareness about deafness and to inspire young readers.
Who Is Jodie Ounsley? Biography, Age, and Background
- Jodie Ounsley is a multi-talented public figure who transitioned from professional rugby to television personality and author.
- She is a prominent advocate for the deaf community, using her platform to raise awareness after losing her hearing at a young age.
- Her children’s book Strong Girls aims to inspire young readers with life lessons from her own experiences.
- As “Fury” on BBC’s Gladiators, she has gained mainstream popularity beyond the sports world.
- She is the honorary president of UK Deaf Sport and a former Deaf Sports Personality of the Year.
- Ounsley also competed in the Deaflympics, winning medals in sprinting events.
- She is a five-time world coal carrying champion (junior) and a British Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 17 January 2001 |
| Birthplace | Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Rugby Position | Wing / Fullback (England Women’s Sevens) |
| Gladiator Name | Fury |
| Book Title | Strong Girls (published 2024, co-authored with Becky Grey) |
| Hearing Status | Profoundly deaf in both ears; uses cochlear implant |
| Instagram Followers | ~190K (as of 2025) |
| First Deaf Female Rugby Sevens International | Yes |
| Deaf Sports Personality of the Year | 2020 |
| Deaflympian | 2017 (100m and 200m sprints) |
Is Jodie Ounsley Deaf? Her Hearing Loss and Advocacy
Jodie Ounsley was born profoundly deaf in both ears. The hearing loss is attributed to medication administered after a premature birth. She received a cochlear implant at 14 months old, becoming the youngest person in the UK to undergo that procedure at the time. She communicates through lip-reading and the interpretation provided by the implant. On the rugby field, she wears a scrum-cap to protect the device.
How did Jodie Ounsley become deaf?
The deafness is congenital, resulting from medical treatment shortly after her premature birth. There is no indication of later onset. Ounsley has spoken openly about her experience, stating that she does not see her deafness as a limitation but as part of her identity. She learned to adapt from an early age, aided by her cochlear implant and a supportive family.
What is Jodie Ounsley’s advocacy work?
Ounsley uses her public profile to educate followers about disability. She is the honorary president of UK Deaf Sport and frequently speaks at events about inclusion. On social media, she amplifies the voices of strong female athletes and shares her own journey. She served as a presenter for the 2024 Paralympics, further extending her reach into the disability sports community.
During filming of the BBC show, Ounsley relies on non-verbal cues, hand signals, and written instructions. The production team adapts to her needs, and she has described the experience as “a dream come true” despite the additional challenges.
What Rugby Team Did Jodie Ounsley Play For? Her Sports Career and Gladiator Role
Ounsley’s rugby career began at Loughborough Lightning in 2018. She later played for Sale Sharks Women and Exeter Chiefs Women. She represented England Women’s Sevens and Great Britain Sevens, making history as the first deaf woman to earn a senior England cap, and the world’s first deaf female rugby sevens international. She retired from professional rugby in April 2024 to focus on television and other opportunities. For more on other British rugby stars, see Maro Itoje – Age, Height, Ethnicity and Rugby Career.
What is Jodie Ounsley’s Gladiator name?
She competes as “Fury” on the BBC’s revival of Gladiators. The name was chosen by producers, and Ounsley has said it reflects her fierce competitiveness. Her father, Phil Ounsley, had also appeared on the earlier 2008 reboot of the show as a competitor.
Is Jodie Ounsley still playing rugby?
No. She announced her retirement from professional rugby in April 2024. However, she has not ruled out returning to the sport in a coaching or ambassadorial capacity. For now, her focus is on television, public speaking, and writing.
Ounsley was also a five-time world coal carrying champion (junior) and a British Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion. She competed in the 2017 Deaflympics in sprinting and was named Deaf Sports Personality of the Year in 2020.
What Is Jodie Ounsley’s Book? ‘Strong Girls’ and Her Work as an Author
Ounsley co-authored Strong Girls with Becky Grey, published on April 9, 2024, by Pan Macmillan. The book is a children’s non-fiction title that shares life lessons and advice drawn from her own experiences in sport and life. It is her second book; her first, Keep Smashing It, was also a bestseller. The book aims to inspire young readers, especially girls, to be resilient and confident.
Where can I buy Jodie Ounsley’s book?
Strong Girls is available through major retailers including Amazon, Waterstones, and the Pan Macmillan website.
According to Pan Macmillan, Strong Girls is aimed at readers aged 7–11 and features stories of resilience, teamwork, and self-belief. Ounsley has described it as “the book I wish I had when I was younger.”
Who Are Jodie Ounsley’s Partner and Dad? Personal Life Details
Who is Jodie Ounsley’s dad?
Her father is Phil Ounsley, a former West Yorkshire Police inspector and a world coal carrying champion. He also participated in the 2008 reboot of Gladiators. Phil Ounsley passed away on November 30, 2024, at age 56, after collapsing on Pen-y-ghent. Jodie has spoken publicly about their close bond and his influence on her athletic career.
Is Jodie Ounsley in a relationship?
As of early 2025, there is no public confirmation of a partner. Ounsley has not disclosed a relationship in any verified source, and she maintains a clear boundary around her private life. Any speculation about a partner remains unconfirmed.
What is Jodie Ounsley’s Instagram?
Her Instagram handle is @jodieounsley, where she shares updates on her career, book promotions, and advocacy work. The account has over 190,000 followers (as of 2025) and is used to educate followers about disability and to promote deaf awareness.
Timeline: Key Events in Jodie Ounsley’s Life
- 2001 – Born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, on 17 January.
- 2002 (approx.) – Receives a cochlear implant at 14 months old, becoming the youngest person in the UK to undergo the procedure.
- 2017 – Competes in the Deaflympics in 100m and 200m sprints, representing Great Britain.
- 2018 – Makes her debut for England Women’s Sevens.
- 2020 – Named Deaf Sports Personality of the Year.
- 2022 – Competes in the Commonwealth Games with England rugby sevens.
- 2023 – Signs on as a Gladiator for the BBC revival, taking the name Fury.
- 2024 (April) – Retires from professional rugby and publishes Strong Girls.
- 2024 (November) – Father Phil Ounsley passes away at age 56.
- 2025 – Continues as a Gladiator, public speaker, and honorary president of UK Deaf Sport.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Jodie Ounsley?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: 17 January 2001 | Partner status: no public confirmation of a current partner. |
| Deafness: profoundly deaf, uses cochlear implant (fitted at 14 months) | Net worth: not publicly disclosed; any estimates are speculative. |
| Rugby career: England Women’s Sevens (2018–2024) | Future plans: whether she will return to rugby or focus entirely on TV/authoring is not officially stated. |
| Gladiator identity: Fury on BBC’s Gladiators | Father’s name: initially reported as John, but later confirmed as Phil Ounsley. |
| Book: Strong Girls published by Pan Macmillan in 2024 | Exact age at diagnosis: some sources say “at age 5,” but the cochlear implant was fitted at 14 months, indicating deafness was identified earlier. |
| Father: Phil Ounsley, former police inspector and world coal carrying champion | — |
How Did Jodie Ounsley Become a Multi-Sport Star and Role Model?
Jodie Ounsley’s career trajectory reflects a modern athlete’s ability to pivot into entertainment and media. Her hearing loss, rather than being a barrier, has become a central part of her public identity and advocacy. The success of Strong Girls aligns with the trend of athletes writing children’s books to inspire the next generation. Her role as Fury on Gladiators revived interest in the show and introduced her to a wider audience.
The BBC’s Gladiators reboot in 2023 sparked renewed interest in the franchise and its cast. Ounsley, as one of the few female Gladiators with a professional sports background, stands out. Her book taps into the growing market for children’s non-fiction that promotes resilience and diversity. The deaf community has embraced her as a role model, especially young girls who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Ounsley’s father, Phil, was a world coal carrying champion and a Gladiator contestant himself, which created a unique family legacy. His sudden passing in 2024 added a personal dimension to her public narrative, but she has continued to maintain a strong presence in the media and in advocacy work.
What Do the Sources Say About Jodie Ounsley?
“Strong Girls is officially out today! 📘 So proud of this book – it’s full of the lessons I’ve learned on and off the pitch.”
Jodie Ounsley, Instagram post, April 2024
“Jodie Ounsley shares her life lessons with young readers and offers invaluable advice.”
Pan Macmillan author page
“Ounsley was born profoundly deaf and wears a cochlear implant.”
Wikipedia article
Key sources for this article include Jodie Ounsley on Wikipedia, Pan Macmillan’s author page, the Gladiators TV – Fury profile, her Instagram account, and the BBC Gladiators official site.
Jodie Ounsley at a Glance
Jodie Ounsley is a 24-year-old former England rugby sevens international, the first deaf woman to represent her country in the sport, and the face of “Fury” on the BBC’s Gladiators. She is also a bestselling children’s author, a Deaflympian, and a tireless advocate for disability inclusion. While certain aspects of her personal life remain private, her professional achievements are well-documented. For more on other British athletes, see Katarina Johnson-Thompson – Biography, Medals and Relationship 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jodie Ounsley
How did Jodie Ounsley become deaf?
She was born with profound hearing loss. She received a cochlear implant at 14 months old due to medication given after a premature birth.
Does Jodie Ounsley still play rugby?
No, she retired from professional rugby in April 2024 to focus on her Gladiator role and other ventures.
What is Jodie Ounsley’s Instagram handle?
Her Instagram is @jodieounsley (over 190K followers as of 2025).
Who is Jodie Ounsley’s dad?
Her father was Phil Ounsley, a former West Yorkshire Police inspector and world coal carrying champion. He passed away in November 2024.
Where can I buy Jodie Ounsley’s book ‘Strong Girls’?
The book is available through major retailers such as Amazon, Waterstones, and Pan Macmillan’s website.
What is Jodie Ounsley’s net worth?
Net worth is not publicly disclosed; any figures are speculative and not confirmed.
Is Jodie Ounsley married?
There is no public information indicating she is married or in a confirmed relationship.
What is Jodie Ounsley’s height?
She is approximately 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m).
Why is Jodie Ounsley called Fury?
“Fury” is her Gladiator name on the BBC show, chosen to reflect her fierce competitive nature.
What is Jodie Ounsley’s advocacy work?
She is honorary president of UK Deaf Sport, uses her social media to educate about deafness, and served as a presenter for the 2024 Paralympics.
More related posts
Linda Kozlowski – Bio, Net Worth, Husband, and Life Today
Gary O’Donoghue – BBC Blind Correspondent Biography and Facts
Home and Away Cast – Current, Past and Female Stars
Beau Garrett – Biography, Movies, and Personal Life
Jerry O’Connell – Net Worth, Wife, Height, Movies & TV Shows
Phone Repair Near Me – Compare Shops, Costs, and Services
Ronnie James Dio – Full Biography, Cause of Death and Lasting Legacy
Omid Djalili – Age, Wife, Net Worth and the Truth About Cancelled Rumours
