Youngest person in the UK to receive a cochlear implant, former rugby pro, Fury from TV’s Gladiators, and now author of an empowering children’s book… Is there anything Jodie Ounsley can’t do? Or anything that scares her? Enable’s Editor found out
The first time I interviewed Jodie Ounsley in April 2024, we laughed at how my Yorkshire accent became stronger during our conversation. This time around, Jodie – who’s from Dewsbury – remembered who I was, joked about our accents, and chatted with me like I was an old friend.
That’s the sort of person Jodie is – generous, smart, funny and kind. Beyond her athletic prowess, it’s those attributes that have seen her become one of the most-loved Gladiators and a roaring success away from the rugby pitch. She’s also profoundly deaf – she was the first deaf female rugby player to play for a senior England side, and the world’s first ever deaf female rugby sevens international.
A GREAT ROLE MODEL
Since Jodie stepped back from rugby last year, a world of opportunities has opened up. Her debut book – Keep Smashing It: Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Confident! – is aimed at children aged eight upwards. “It’s a good thing for kids to see successful people and learn they go through the same challenges as everyone else,” explains Jodie. “The book is to help children feel empowered, be brave and do things that scare them, but also to learn it’s ok to have struggles in life.”
The idea for a book started during lockdown, when Jodie was reading stories online to young rugby players. “It was definitely a lightbulb moment,” she reveals. “I’ve always had a message to get out there, and I realised books are so powerful for kids.”
IN AT THE DEEP END
The book’s title is Keep Smashing It, so I ask Jodie when she’s had to really push herself and keep smashing it. She says: “One time I really felt out of my comfort zone was presenting the Paralympics. I got thrown in at the deep end, going on live TV and covering post-race interviews for athletics.”
The production team worked with Jodie to manage the challenges her deafness presented. She was unable to wear an earpiece, so used headphones instead. Jodie also had a producer stand alongside her to give visual cues. “It was a lot to take on, but in the best way possible,” she admits. “I thought ‘I’m going to make it work’.”
Jodie advises anyone going through hard things to believe in themselves. “It’s easier said than done, isn’t it?” she smiles. If young Jodie could read Keep Smashing It, what would she love most about the book? “I’d appreciate seeing someone who’s proud to be a badass in a male-dominated sport,” she says, “and a deaf sportsperson too.”
With the release of the book, Jodie will tour schools to share her story. “I’m really excited for that,” she enthuses. “I’ve always had that little bit of fire in me, to want to help kids. To do it through my book is going to be really heartwarming.”
Keep Smashing It: Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Confident! by Jodie Ounsley and co-written with Becky Grey is published with Macmillan Children’s Books on 27 March (RRP £9.99) and available to order on Amazon.
Follow Jodie on Instagram.