Read this inspirational guide to boost confidence and resilience. Keep Smashing It is a book by Jodie Ounsley, the Gladiator star and deaf athlete, sharing her story and advice. It is a British book that empowers children to believe in themselves.
Be strong, be brave, be confident and keep smashing it with the nation's favourite Gladiator - Fury!
You might know me as Fury from the TV show Gladiators. Or you might like rugby and maybe you know me from when I played for England. Or you might have seen some of the work I do telling people what it's like to live as a profoundly deaf person. You might not know me at all - and if that's the case, it's great to meet you.
In her debut book, Gladiator, rugby star and champion of the deaf community Jodie Ounsley wants to show YOU that you can do anything you put your mind to - you just have to believe you can. Written with journalist Becky Grey, Keep Smashing It is full of stories from Jodie's life, advice and top tips that will inspire you to back yourself and believe in yourself, and smash the barriers that are in your way.
It will show you how to:
Are you ready?
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 Strong, 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.
