Three new Gladiators Sabre, Apollo and Dynamite revealed as ex rugby player, weightlifter and 20-year-old Crossfit star
THREE new Gladiators have been revealed today – and they’re an ex rugby player, weightlifter and 20-year-old Crossfit star.
Fans of the hit 90s Saturday night show Gladiators are thrilled the programme is being rebooted by the BBC and the new line-up is slowly being revealed.
On Thursday’s instalment of Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, it was revealed that Sheli McCoy (Sabre), Alex Gray (Apollo) and Emily Steel (Dynamite) are the latest Gladiators who have joined the iconic game show.
Sabre
Fierce, powerful and agile; the main attributes of a Sabre and also of Sheli McCoy who joins the Gladiators line-up.
An unstoppable force, she describes herself as a “grafter” and trains 16 to 19 hours per week.
She has competed in five British Weightlifting Championships events and numerous CrossFit championships all over the world and has simultaneously been Scottish champion in both sports.
Sabre runs her own gym in Dundee, hoping to inspire future generations to reach their full fitness potential.
Contenders be afraid of an attack from Sabre, she’s fearless and ferocious, once she catches sight of a prey, there’s no escape.
Sabre said: “I truly hope Sabre will inspire and empower the younger generation of strong capable females just as the gladiators I once watched inspired me to be a confident athletic women.
“It is Sabre’s time to shine – here come the powerful girls!”
Apollo
With the cheeky good looks of a Greek god and the speed of a rocket, it’s no surprise Alex Gray has earned the name Apollo.
He started his career playing rugby under 16s and moved onto the Premiership and then England 7s team. He captained English Rugby teams for 16’s, 18’s and 20’s.
He was scouted to go to NFL for his skillset, making him the first British rugby player to transfer over to the NFL.
Signed for Atlantic Falcons and then became the first international player to Captain an NFL team.
He trains hard wanting to be the best and has a super strong competitive nature.
Apollo wants to win and won’t stop until he does. Don’t be fooled by his smile and charm, if you’re in his way he’ll take you down.
Apollo said: “Gladiator ready?? You better believe I am!!
“After playing Rugby and In the NFL, the opportunity to inspire as Apollo is a dream come true. I plan on leading from the front and never giving up.”
Dynamite
Small, explosive and dangerous, just like Dynamite, 20-year-old, Emily Steel, is the youngest Gladiator in the current line-up.
With a background in swimming competing at a national level until she was 15-years-old, she’s now a full-time elite CrossFit athlete, also juggling second year studies full time at university in sport and exercise science.
Recently competing internationally at one of the largest fitness festivals in the world and becoming an under 23’s weightlifting British record holder.
Don’t underestimate Dynamite. She may look small, but she’ll blast into the competition and obliterate her opponents.
Dynamite said: “I’m too young to remember the original Gladiators, but my parents loved it and suggested I try out.
“Dynamite really does represent who I am and I’m excited to showcase what I can do in the games”.
Sabre, Apollo and Dynamite join the previously announced Nitro, Diamond, Giant, Fire, Legend, Fury and Steel as part of the new generation of Gladiators in this 11-part series.
They will take part in the ultimate test of speed and strength in a series of brand new games alongside classics culminating with fan-favourite The Eliminator.
The show originally ran on ITV for eight seasons from 1992 until 2000.
The OG cast included famous Gladiators like Jett, Wolf and Cobra.