5. Jodie Ounsley – Deaf
When Ounsley was born profoundly deaf after being two months premature her parents were told she would struggle speaking, struggle with education and struggle getting a job.
But how the Exeter star has proven those predictions wrong.
can hear sound thanks to a cochlear implant which she had fitted when she was just 14 months old. Incredibly it’s a moment that was captured on camera.
She says, “It was so crazy to watch me as a young girl in a silent world and then suddenly a switch and I’m hearing the sounds around me, I’m hearing my mum and dad speak to me.
“Even though I was so young at the time, just imagining that moment was a bit surreal to be honest.”
Her scrum cap protects the implant while she plays but mishaps can happen like when her batteries died mid-game.
She says, “I didn’t want to stop because it looked like we were going to score so I thought I’m just going to hang in there.
“Literally thought just use your eyes right now. And then the ball popped to me and I just thought oh god.
“So I sprinted, scored but then I thought have I actually scored because I can’t hear the whistle right now so I was in just a complete panic.”
6. Ellis Genge – Dyspraxia
The superstar Leicester and England prop is thriving. Dyspraxia affects the use of muscles. Different types of dyspraxia can affect writing, speech and other movements involved in learning.
Forever inspiring us, Genge has gone onto help kids going through the same tough problems he did while also making the England Rugby World Cup Squad.
From being arrested, to being diagnosed with dyspraxia, to representing England.
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) July 16, 2019
Ellis Genge’s reflective chat on #RugbyTonight was as real as it gets 🙏pic.twitter.com/UfGD9jzTIa
Editors picks:
- Eddie Jones has a new job just two days after being sacked by England
- Richie McCaw names his five toughest opponents he faced
- Leicester reject RFU offer for Steve Borthwick, want more than double
- STATEMENT: England international confirms retirement aged 34
- Joe Marler sends message to Bears Ellis and Kyle ahead of Bristol clash