Interview with Jodie Ounsley ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Channel 4

27 August 2024

We sat down with Jodie Ounsley ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Channel 4

From Rugby Union to Gladiators and now part of Channel 4’s presenting team at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - how has the last couple of years been for you? 
The last couple of years for me has been crazy. Especially in the last year, everything has been non-stop. I’ve had some amazing opportunities come up and I'm so excited to see where that goes. Especially the Paralympics, watching it when I was a young girl and now having that opportunity – I'm just so excited.  

Tell us why you wanted to get involved with Channel 4’s coverage Paris 2024.
I’ve watched it since I was a kid. I remember watching it on TV and I've had the dream of wanting to compete there myself! Also, with how passionate I am with my own disability, being profoundly deaf, and trying to be a good role model and getting the message out there, this is an amazing platform to celebrate people with disabilities in a positive light.  

What do the Paralympics mean to you? 
Everyone gets a chance to do something they love and that they are good at. We are very capable of achieving and being successful in sport. I think that is the most exciting thing about it.  

This is your first presenting job, what are you looking forward to?  
This is the first time I've done any presenting and to be on a big stage like this is very new and exciting. I’m looking forward to throwing myself in the deep end, trying my best, meeting new people and seeing it all come to life.  

What are you most looking forward to about Paris 2024? 
I’m most looking forward to seeing the athletes out there in Paris. Seeing them do their thing in real life and watching some incredible athletes chasing their dreams, that is really cool.  

You’re most recently known for appearing as Fury in Gladiators, are you hoping that this will allow viewers to see a different side of you?  
If you’ve seen me as Fury, you’ve seen one side to me, which is my competitive side. This is my warm and bubbly side, doing something I'm passionate about which is raising awareness about disabilities and my love for sport.  

We can’t forget you’re going to be in Paris! Have you been before? What’s your favourite thing to do? 
I haven’t been to Paris, but I've been to France before for a rugby tournament. I haven’t had much chance to explore, so I'm excited.   

In your downtime from hosting duties, what do you hope you’ll be able to get up to?
For me, I love exploring new places. I love sunrises, I love sunsets. Having coffee with people. To be doing all of that in Paris – there's nothing better than that! 

How is your French? Can you give us your best phrase?
I have to say my French is very poor, so I think I'll need a few lessons. With my Yorkshire accent, I don’t think it’s going to be very good, so ‘bonjour’ is all I can do for now! 

Stream and watch live on Channel 4 all day, every day from Wednesday 28th August to Sunday 8th September