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Bravery, Believing In Yourself And An Empowering Must-Have Guide From Jodie Ounsley
Primary Times speaks to the star of the hit BBC show Gladiators performing as ‘Fury’, Jodie Ounsley - the UK’s first deaf Gladiator!
Known as a rugby star, a proud advocate for the deaf community and of course, as ‘Fury’ from the BBC TV show Gladiators, Jodie’s positive and inspiring, brand-new guide-for-life is titled ‘Keep Smashing It! Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Confident’. Written with Becky Grey and ideal for ages 8+, Jodie delves into stories from her own life, sharing inspiring tips along the way.
Do you have any tips on how to be brave?
Take risks. Try and do something that makes you feel scared every day. Soon, you’ll start to feel comfortable doing that thing. This will help to expand your comfort zone.
How do you stay motivated?
Nobody can feel motivated all the time. When you’re not motivated, you fall back on discipline. You do it regardless of how you’re feeling. All professional athletes feel like this. Motivation comes in waves. To keep me motivated, I tend to have a goal to aim towards, such as running a race. Having smaller, manageable goals is helpful too.
How can children develop resilience and build self-confidence?
By pushing your limits! Taking a leap into the unknown will make you stronger and can bring
amazing opportunities. I was very nervous when I first tried rugby, but it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made. Having a good support network around you really helps too.
How would you encourage other deaf adults and children to keep chasing their dreams?
Keep being consistent, keep pushing yourself and keep working hard. Having small goals to work towards makes a big dream feel more achievable. In the book, I give the example of how, when I knew I needed to get picked for the Great Britain Sevens squad, my smaller goal was to try my best at training. I also suggest writing your goal down too - if it’s visual, it feels more real.
Have you enjoyed writing your debut book?
Yes, I have absolutely loved it. It’s an inspirational and empowering guide-for-life which I co-wrote with the sports journalist Becky Grey. She’s absolutely smashed it!
What are your hopes for children that read ‘Keep Smashing It: Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Confident’?
The book draws on my experience as a deaf athlete, from childhood up until today, and I hope that by reading about my life and what has helped me through the tough times, children can learn how to help themselves.
I hope the book helps readers to gain confidence, and know that they are strong enough to try new things. And to believe in themselves no matter what. I’ve put questions at the end of each chapter, to help readers think about the messages I’ve shared.
Are you currently working on any future projects that families can look out for?
Yes, there is much more to come. Watch this space and keep your eyes peeled!
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 13th March (RRP £9.99) and available to order on Amazon.
Photography © Paul Marc Mitchell