Sam Quek is a celebrated British subject hockey participant who became a media character, recognized for triumphing Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games and turning into a distinguished TV presenter. She is now no longer the simplest for her carrying achievements however additionally for her function in breaking limitations for womens in sports activities broadcasting.
Who is Sam Quek?
Samantha Ann Quek, MBE, born on October 18, 1988, in Liverpool, England, is a former expert subject hockey participant for Great Britain and England. She rose to worldwide fame after clinching a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics as a part of the British women’s hockey crew.
Post-retirement, Quek pivoted into TV, imparting shows like BBC’s A Question of Sport, Morning Live, and co-web website hosting predominant carrying activities. She has considered ending up a reputable voice in UK sports activities broadcasting and a function version for younger women in sports activities.
Early Life and Education
Sam Quek was born to a Singaporean father and an English mother, a multicultural historical past she has frequently spoken about proudly. She attended Birkenhead High School Academy and later Calday Grange Grammar School, wherein she first confirmed promise as an athlete.
She pursued a diploma in Sports and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University, a preference that laid the muse for her athletic and broadcasting careers.
Athletic Roots
From an early age, Quek displayed herbal expertise in a couple of sports activities. Initially attracted to football, she finally devoted to subject hockey, wherein she determined her niche. Her early coaches praised her speed, tactical intelligence, and management skills—characteristics that might outline her destiny profession.
Hockey Career Highlights
Rise to National Selection
Quek’s expert subject hockey profession commenced in earnest whilst she changed into decided on for the England U16s and later stepped forward to the senior England and Great Britain teams. Her position: defender, recognised for her resilience, spatial recognition, and strategic tackles.
International Success
European Championship 2015: Silver Medalist with England.
Olympic Games 2016 (Rio de Janeiro): Gold Medalist with Team GB.
Commonwealth Games 2014: Silver Medalist.
Over 125 worldwide caps throughout England and Great Britain.
The 2016 Rio Olympics changed into Quek’s crowning glory. In an exciting last over against the Netherlands, Team GB received a penalty shootout, securing their first-ever Olympic gold in women’s hockey. Quek’s protective prowess performed an important function in the crew’s fulfillment.
Recognition and Awards
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) – provided in 2017 for offerings to hockey.
Honoured with the aid of using Liverpool and Merseyside sports activities groups for her contributions.
Transition to Television and Media
After retiring from hockey, Sam Quek efficiently transitioned into media and broadcasting, a subject wherein few former women athletes have thrived to this extent.
Key Media Roles
BBC’s A Question of Sport: Appointed crew captain in 2021, the primary woman captain in the show’s history.
BBC Sport: Presenter for Olympic coverage, Women’s World Cup, and Six Nations.
ITV’s This Morning and BBC’s Morning Live: Regular presenter.
I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (2016): Gained giant recognition with the British public.
Her herbal charisma, intelligence, and brief wit made her a standout character in the media. She has been praised for her capacity to make sports activities on hand and attractive for wider audiences.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Family and Relationships
Sam Quek married Tom Mairs, an assets entrepreneur, in 2018. The couple has kids and frequently stock their circle of relatives on social media, highlighting Quek’s determination to motherhood along a disturbing profession.
Philanthropic Work
Quek helps numerous charitable causes:
Sporting Equals
Women in Sport
Mental health recognition campaigns, specially that specialize in athletes’ well-being.
She has additionally been vocal about illustration in sport, pushing for extra possibilities and visibility for women athletes and broadcasters.
Recent Trends and 2025 Updates
Current Media Projects (as of 2025)
As of June 2025, Sam Quek remains a staple in UK broadcasting. Key updates:
Hosting BBC Sport’s Paris 2024 Olympics Recap Series.
Continues as an ordinary face on Morning Live and BBC Breakfast.
Podcast Host: Launched Quek’s Corner, a weekly podcast on sports activities, health, and parenting, which quickly rose to the Top 10 UK podcasts in January 2025.
Trend: Rise of Athlete-Broadcasters
Sam Quek’s fulfillment has stimulated a wave of former athletes getting into the media. Her profession is now used as a case have a look at in media education guides for retiring sports activities professionals.
Digital Influence
Over 400,000 Instagram fans in 2025.
Recognized as a main woman voice in sports activities media.
Regularly collaborates with manufacturers selling wellness, sportswear, and own circle of relatives health.
Real-Life Examples of Her Impact
Inspiring Young women: After the 2016 Olympics, UK subject hockey participation amongst ladies elderly 8–16 multiplied with the aid of using 21%, with Sam Quek often stated as a functional version (source: Sport England, 2017–2022).
Media Inclusion: Her appointment because the first woman crew captain on A Question of Sport broke gender limitations in mainstream sports activities TV.
Representation in Advertising: Quek has appeared in campaigns for Nike, BBC Sport, and Vitality, selling now no longer simply merchandise however additionally wholesome life for moms and younger women.
Sam Quek net worth
As of the modern-day credible estimates, Sam Quek’s net worth is around £4 million—a discern that has remained continuously stated considering her Olympic triumph in 2016 and next media profession.
Final Thoughts
Sam Quek’s adventure from Olympic champion to tv mainstay exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and purpose. In 2025, she is extra than only a retired athlete—she’s a functional version, a mother, a media influencer, and a public discern the use of her platform to pressure nice change.
FAQs
What does Sam Quek find in 2025?
As of 2025, Quek gives on BBC’s Morning Live, covers predominant sports activities for BBC Sport, and hosts the famous podcast Quek’s Corner.
Does Sam Quek have kids?
Yes, she has kids together with her husband Tom Mairs. She frequently speaks about balancing own circle of relatives existence and a media profession.
How did Sam Quek begin her media profession?
After the 2016 Olympics, Quek joined I’m a Celebrity… which opened media doors. She then took on sports commentary roles and transitioned into full-time presenting.
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