Jodie Ounsley achieves Guinness World Records title
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Jodie Ounsley has smashed her way into the record books in Wakefield.
Jodie, a star of Gladiators, the hit Saturday night BBC1 entertainment show, took on the challenge of creating a brand-new record - to run the fastest 50m carrying a coal bag (female) at Thornes Park Athletic Stadium.
She completed the distance in just 8.06 seconds.
Jodie, an international rugby player, said: “Becoming a world record holder has been a dream of mine since childhood. It means so much to me to have succeeded!
“I prepared intensively to be ready for the attempt. All of my training, including as a rugby player, and in Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped with the strength, speed and endurance needed for this challenge.
“It really does go to show you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.”
“This was a wonderful achievement by Jodie. I’m sure everyone will want to congratulate her creating this new world record.
“We’re so pleased that our fabulous athletics stadium was recommended by Jodie to the organisers to host this record-breaking event. It’s not every day we have an England Rugby star setting a world record at our track.
“It’s a really proud moment for our city, and a great reminder of the wonderful sports facilities that we have available for everyone. Whatever your age or ability, Thornes is a great place to have fun and boost your fitness."
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
The world record attempt took place on 9 April, and involved a team from Guinness World Records, including Editor in Chief Craig Glenday to officially verify the record.
Craig Glenday, said: "With her explosive start and high-powered sprint, Jodie has established a very high bar in this new category of coal-bag carrying."
On Easter Monday each year the World Coal Carrying Championships takes place in Gawthorpe, in which Jodie is competing.
Craig added: "Let this be a warning to anyone competing against her in the World Coal-Carrying Championships in Gawthorpe - she's fuelled with a rare determination and grit... an athlete who's not going to let a 20-kg load slow her down."
Runners at the World Coal Carrying Championships carry coal sacks over a distance of 1.1km. Good luck to all the competitors. Find out more at: World Coal Carrying Championship - Experience Wakefield
For information:
Guinness World Records are the global authority on all things record-breaking, with offices in UK, US, China, Japan, and UAE, as well as their official adjudicators who verify records all over the world.
Their mission is to document the incredible – in the pages of their annual book, and also through TV shows, social media and live events. Find out more at: Home | Guinness World Records
Jodie Ounsley is an ambassador for The Elizabeth Foundation charity, a pre-school nursery for deaf children. In 2021 she launched Not Just Anyone (NJA), a story telling platform designed to inspire younger generations. She is the Honorary President of UK Deaf Sport. In 2023 she was named among Woman's Hour Power List 2023 Women in Sport.
In 2019 Jodie became the first deaf female rugby player to play for a senior England side and the world's first-ever deaf female rugby sevens international. She is also a former British Brazilian jiu jitsu champion. She has worked as an interviewer for Channel 4's coverage of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.