Jodie Ounsley: Overcoming deafness in sport!

In this episode of RunPod, host Jenny Falconer welcomes Jodie Ounsley, who made history as the first deaf woman to play for England's rugby team and is also known for being a competitor on Gladiators. Jodie shares her challenges regarding deafness and how she learned to navigate sports with visual cues and lip reading. Her journey into sports began with her father's influence, which laid the foundation for her sporting achievements, including coal carrying championships.

They discuss Jodie's recent return to running after a back injury and the joy it brings her, underscoring running's mental health benefits. Jodie expresses gratitude for her sport, explaining it cleared her mind and helped her cope with various emotions. The conversation also highlights the Startline initiative, a partnership between Parkrun and Specsavers aimed at making running more accessible for individuals with disabilities and a lack of confidence. Jodie shares her wonderful experience attending a Parkrun event and observing its supportive atmosphere. This initiative is designed to ensure everyone feels comfortable and welcomed at these events, thereby encouraging more people to participate, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.

Throughout the episode, Jodie reflects on her love for running and the sense of accomplishment it brings her, as well as paying tribute to her late father, emphasizing keeping his memory alive through her athletic pursuits.