BBC Radio has been talking to Loughborough College rugby star Jodie Ounsley, following her Young Deaf Sports Personality of the Year win.
Ben Jackson was joined live in the studio by the 17 year old sport student and Loughborough College Head of Women’s Rugby Brad Jones to talk about Jodie’s international success across a range of sports – which started at five years old.
“It’s a funny story. My dad used to compete in the World Coal Carrying Championships and when I was three I used to copy him, running around the kitchen with a bag of carrots,” Jodie told the BBC Radio Leicester presenter. “Then I started competing at five years old - and now I’ve won the world title five times.
“I’ve loved sport ever since – athletics, Jiu Jitsu… I found rugby three years ago. When I run out on the pitch I forget everything else. I’d like to make a career out of it.
“I still feel overwhelmed to have won the award, to see I have that much support behind me.”
Jodie was born profoundly deaf and always wears a scrum cap when playing to protect the processor above her ear for the cochlear implant she had fitted at 14 months. “It doesn’t really cause problems. I’ve never wanted it to be a barrier. If anything it helps drive me forward. The team are always so supportive. I used to like doing sports alone but I love being around everyone now. They’ll be friends for life.”
“It’s fantastic to see that massive togetherness amongst the women rugby players at the College,” added Brad. “There are highs and lows, good days and bad but we all work together to get through everything.
“Jodie dislocated her shoulder a couple of months ago but she is always in the gym for rehab, always at training. She’s a fantastic athlete across the board, so committed. All the players are.”
Jodie was part of the England team which earlier this year took the World Deaf Rugby 7s Championship title in Sydney, Australia. This year also saw Jodie make her debut for England U18s, scoring a try against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and she helped Loughborough College’s Sport Academy women’s rugby squad to victory in the prestigious Rosslyn Park national championships. The Loughborough College sport student also competed for Great Britain in the 100m and 200m adult events at the 23rd Deaflympics and is a former British Champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Hear Jodie and Brad on BBC Radio 1 hour 36 minutes 50 seconds into the show here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p06pqth7
Pictured: Loughborough College rugby star Jodie Ounsley with head of women’s rugby Brad Jones in the BBC radio studios with presenter Ben Jackson