Jodie Ounsley is a Gladiator, an England Rugby player, an inspirational role model for deaf people, and now an author too! In her debut book, Jodie wants to show young people everywhere that anything is possible when you believe in yourself. Content includes:
- Being a role model to children - in sports and beyond - offering important representation to the deaf community.
- Jodie's experience as a professional rugby player - a woman in a 'man's game'
- Showing young people the value of being a physically powerful and strong woman; just because you're strong doesn't mean you're not feminine!
- The importance of family and having a strong team around you
- Getting girls into sport!
Author Information
Jodie Ounsley is also known as being Fury from the BBC's Gladiators. She is a trailblazing British athlete, public speaker, and advocate for the deaf community. Born profoundly deaf, Jodie has defied the odds and shattered barriers to become a celebrated figure in sports and a role model for many. She became the first deaf female rugby player to play for a senior England side earning her first cap in 2019, and the first deaf player to represent on the sevens stage. Jodie is a patron of registered charity The Elizabeth Foundation. In 2020 Jodie won the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year award and, in 2023, was named Honorary President of UK Deaf Sport and included in the prestigious BBC Woman’s Hour Women in Sport Power List. In 2024 she was a Paralympics C4 Broadcaster.
Keep Smashing It: Be Stong, Be Brave, Be Confident is her debut book, an inspirational guide-for-life to empower all children.
Becky Grey is a senior journalist at BBC Sport, who especially enjoys helping inspiring sportswomen tell their stories. Becky has worked at three Rugby World Cups, five Six Nations tournaments, the Commonwealth Games and Wimbledon. She co-produced BBC Elite British Sportswomen’s Studies in 2020 and 2024, discussing the results on Woman’s Hour and BBC Radio 5 Live. Outside of the BBC, Becky sits on the board of gender equity charity Queen Bee Coaching. Written with Jodie Ounsley, Keep Smashing It: Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Confident is her first book.
