Jodie Ounsley isn’t just a familiar face from Gladiators on BBC1 — she’s now officially a Guinness World Records title holder. If you’ve ever tried to carry something heavy while moving quickly (a packed suitcase, a big bag of dog food, or that one awkwardly large IKEA box), you’ll know how hard it is. Now imagine sprinting 50 metres carrying a coal bag — and doing it faster than anyone else in the world. That’s exactly what Jodie did. And she did it in 8.06 seconds. Wild, right?
This story isn’t just about a crazy athletic feat. It’s about grit, local pride, and proving that with enough determination, you can do something a bit mad and totally brilliant.
A record-breaking sprint that’s far from ordinary
On 9 April 2024, Jodie returned to her old stomping ground — Thornes Park Athletic Stadium in Wakefield — for something a bit different from her usual day job as a professional athlete. The challenge? Set a world-first record for the fastest 50m sprint while carrying a coal bag (female category).
And she nailed it. Clocking in at 8.06 seconds, she not only made it into the record books but also created a new category entirely.
What’s extra cool is that this wasn’t just for show. It was officially verified by none other than Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief at Guinness World Records, who was there on the day to watch her fly across the track.
Jodie’s not just strong, she’s Gladiator-level strong
If you’ve seen Jodie on Gladiators, you already know she’s got superhero energy. But there’s more to her than TV stunts.
She’s a former England Rugby Sevens player and has trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. So yeah, she’s basically a powerhouse. But even with that background, this coal bag sprint wasn’t something she took lightly. She trained hard for it — and not just physically.
“Becoming a world record holder has been a dream of mine since childhood,” Jodie said. “It means so much to me to have succeeded!”
She went on to say that everything — from her rugby training to martial arts — helped her build the strength, speed and stamina she needed to pull this off.
“It really does go to show you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.”
A proud moment for Wakefield and its community
Wakefield locals aren’t just cheering for Jodie because she’s a legend. They’re proud because she chose Thornes Park, a local stadium she used to train at, as the place to set the record. It’s a place where loads of people go to get fit, have fun, or just enjoy a run around the track.
Cllr Hannah Appleyard, from Wakefield Council, summed it up nicely:
“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.”
Honestly, it’s the kind of story that gives a real boost to the local community — showing that big things can happen in familiar places.
Gearing up for another coal-carrying challenge
So what’s next for Jodie? She’s not stopping with just one coal-themed event. She’s competing in the World Coal Carrying Championships held every Easter Monday in Gawthorpe.
Yep, it’s a real thing.
In that race, competitors lug a 20kg sack of coal over 1.1km — which is basically like doing a lap of your local park with a toddler clinging to your back. It’s no joke.
Craig Glenday added:
“Let this be a warning to anyone competing against her… she’s fuelled with a rare determination and grit.”
Quick facts about Jodie’s coal bag world record
- Record: Fastest 50m carrying a coal bag (female)
- Time: 8.06 seconds
- Location: Thornes Park Athletic Stadium, Wakefield
- Date: 9 April 2024
- Verified by: Guinness World Records, including Editor in Chief Craig Glenday
What is the World Coal Carrying Championship?
Held annually in Gawthorpe, this quirky British event is exactly what it sounds like. Runners carry a massive sack of coal for over a kilometre, racing up hills and through crowds. It’s a bit of a mad tradition, but that’s what makes it so loved.
Want to check it out? You can find more info here: World Coal Carrying Championship – Experience Wakefield
Jodie’s story is one of those feel-good ones that sticks with you. It’s part sport, part spectacle, and all heart. Whether you’re into fitness or just love hearing about people doing big, unexpected things — it’s proof that sometimes, carrying the weight literally leads to world records.
