University graduate helping TV’s Gladiators keep fit to do battle!

Since January, the contenders and the Gladiators have been battling it out as the popular nineties show returned to our TV screens.

Behind the scenes, University graduate Alfie Martin has been playing a pivotal role – helping to ensure the likes of Nitro, Electro, Diamond, Fire, Sabre, Fury, and the dreaded Viper remain in peak condition and fit to fight off the contenders.

Alfie, aged 28, studied BSc Sports Rehabilitation at Bolton within the School of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences and graduated in 2018. He is now Head of Sports Rehabilitation with Sheffield Steelers Ice Hockey team.

He said: “Gladiators came out of the blue! I work in Sheffield Utilita Arena, where Gladiators was filmed. I was approached by the show's media studio and, of course, immediately said yes. I thought, who wouldn't want to be a part of Gladiators?

“It was a show I religiously watched with my family as a kid every weekend. After a few phone calls with the producer, I was a part of the 2024 Gladiators reboot, which was pretty cool!”

Alfie was involved during the whole of filming: “There was a lot of soft tissue work and injury assessments throughout the weeks, and some pretty brutal injuries on both the Gladiators and contenders.

“It was tiring with long filming days, but I enjoyed every minute of it and would do it again in a heartbeat.

“It was great meeting the Gladiators, and inspiring to hear how they gained their achievements and how that led them to do the show.”

Alfie said he learned a lot from his time at the University, both academically and personally. 

He said: “I enjoyed my course, albeit stressful at times, and made some lifelong friends along the way, one of which is my now fiancée, Olivia.

“I was provided every opportunity I needed to grow and learn my skills as a Sports Rehabilitator and I had supportive lecturers who found me placement opportunities which has massively helped the career path that I am currently on.”

Gladiators returned to TV in its new home on the BBC for 11 episodes, in which the latest generation of Gladiators have competed against a brave set of contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength.

The second semi-final of the show, which is hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh will be aired on BBC and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 23 March.