Jackie Bates's Biography

Jackie Bates is a top-class woman Sumo Wrestler.

Jackie, who weighs approximately 20 stone, won a silver medal in the heavyweight category in the Sumo World Cup in Rotterdam in 2003.

She narrowly missed winning the gold when both sumo wrestlers hit the clay surface but Jackie hit the deck just before her Bulgarian opponent.

When not training, Jackie is an aerobics teacher, who did not enter a gym until she was 40.

Jackie Bates trains four times a week and manages up to 70kg on the bar.

An article in The Daily Telegraph explained how Jackie Bates was spotted by Derby-based Steve Pateman.

Jackie told the Telegraph:

"I like to show that it's possible to be big and be fit. I have a healthy lifestyle. I don't smoke, don't drink and I eat well. You don't have to be skinny to take part in sport."

Jackie's training partner is Chantal Freebury.

You can also listen to Jackie Bates on Woman's Hour.

Jackie Bates is featured in the Channel 4 documentary, Strictly Lady Sumo which follows Steve Pateman and Jackie recruiting and training the first ever British female Sumo wrestling team.

The transmission date of Strictly Lady Sumo with Jackie Bates was January 30, 2007.