27 January 2024 , 18:20
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Gladiators is back and new strong woman Sabre is one of two female Gladiators to suffer a horror injury during filming. The weightlifting champ, known in real life as Sheli McCoy, tore a hamstring and ended up on crutches when appearing on the programme, which was filmed in Sheffield.
Thankfully, Sheli has now recovered and the 35-year-old calls her time on the show a "phenomenal opportunity". “I gave my absolute everything in each event to do justice to such an honour and privilege," she said.
The impressive athlete is a Scottish champion in five British Weightlifting Championships with records in Olympic Weightlifting at the Scottish Championships too. The hardworking star loves CrossFit and has been Scottish champion in the discipline as the same time as in weightlifting.
Sabre wants to inspire "powerful girls" (BBC / James Stack / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)Sheli, who is originally from Windsor, describes herself as a "grafter", training for between 16 and 19 hours a week. She has a masters degree from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and runs her own gym in Dundee, working as an online coach, personal trainer and sports rehabilitation therapist.
Just like her animal namesake, Gladiator Sabre promises to be fearless and ferocious, with no escape once she's caught sight of her prey. "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," she said. "It is Sabre's time to shine - here come the powerful girls."
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Sheli with her fellow female Gladiators, a mix of high-achieving athletes and bodybuilders (BBC / Guy Levy)The other star to injury herself during filming was Comet, who broke her right ankle and foot in multiple places. Ella-Mae Rayner, a gymnastics coach, faced surgery and metal-work on her limb but is back training again, saying: "I think it goes to show how tough it is - even the professional athletes get hurt as well".
The Gladiators reboot on BBC One has new presenters, father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh. The games are a mix of old and new. “It’s a dream come true," said Sheli ahead of filming. "I’ll be taking part in the old, iconic games my mum and I once watched and I can’t wait to attack the new ones with her watching.”
Watch Gladiators on Saturdays at 5.50pm, BBC One and BBC iPlayer