Athena and Comet are the latest Gladiators ready to take on the contenders at the arena in Sheffield following their reveal on Morning Live today (Tuesday May 30).
Athena, aka Karenjeet Kaur Bains, is “just like the Ancient Greek Goddess of War and Wisdom, Athena.” Representing Team GB, she is a winner of three gold and two silver Commonwealth powerlifting medals, the five-time All England Powerlifting Champion and five-time British Powerlifting Champion. She’s represented Great Britain at the World and European Championships, and holds the Guinness World Record for the “Most Bodyweight Squats in a minute” – as well as being an Chartered Accountant!
Very proud of her South Asian heritage, as the first Sikh Gladiator she wants to inspire people of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential.
Bains said: “I represent all those from diverse and minority backgrounds, especially women, that have ever been denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams in sport. I hope I can be a role model and show the levels a female can achieve, if she is given the opportunity to follow her passion and given the wings to fly!”
Comet Ella-Mae Rayner is a former elite gymnast. She made the move into semi-professional in diving before starting her degree in Sport Science. At university she coached and competed in University Cheerleading Championships. It wasn’t until she suffered a career changing ankle injury, that she found her love for the gym. She now trains six times a week, alongside being a fitness model & coach.
Rayner said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be Comet. I loved watching Gladiators growing up. I specifically remember Jet, she was an icon for me as a child and one of the reasons I become a gymnast. I can’t believe I will be following in her footsteps. It really is a dream come true.”
Athena and Comet join the previously announced Sabre, Apollo, Dynamite, Nitro, Diamond, Giant, Fire, Legend, Fury and Steel as part of the new generation of mighty Gladiators ready to challenge a brave set of contenders in the 11-part series made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK. 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.
Gladiators (11 x 60’) is a Hungry Bear and MGM Alternative UK for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted. The Executive Producers are Dan Baldwin and Lou Brown for Hungry Bear and Dom Bird MGM Alternative UK. The Head of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC is Kalpna Patel-Knight and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Clodagh O’Donoghue.
