Sam Quek, born Samantha Ann Quek on October 18, 1988, in Liverpool, England, is a former elite field hockey player, Olympic gold medalist, and now a celebrated television presenter and media personality. With an inspiring career that spans both sports and entertainment, Quek has established herself as one of the most recognizable faces in British media, with her success on the field and in front of the camera capturing the hearts of fans across the nation.
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Sam Quek grew up in the Liverpool area, where she developed a passion for sports at an early age. She attended Hillside Primary School and later went to Calday Grange Grammar School before pursuing higher education at Leeds Metropolitan University, where she earned a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. While growing up, Quek was not only passionate about hockey but also played youth football with Tranmere Rovers F.C. Before focusing entirely on field hockey, she was also a talented young footballer.
Quek’s dedication to field hockey began in her teenage years, and by age 16, she decided to fully commit to the sport. Her breakthrough moment came when she made her debut for England in 2007 at the age of 19. Her international career would quickly take off, leading to her representation of both England and Great Britain in various prestigious tournaments.
Sam Quek’s Hockey Career and Achievements
Sam’s hockey career reached its pinnacle when she won gold as a member of the Great Britain women’s field hockey team during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her remarkable performance in that event is still remembered as one of the greatest moments in British women’s sports history. This gold medal was particularly significant as it marked Great Britain’s first Olympic gold in women’s hockey in over 20 years.
Apart from her Olympic victory, Quek played in multiple major international tournaments, contributing to England’s success. In the 2013 European Championship, she earned a silver medal, followed by another silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Additionally, she claimed a gold medal at the 2015 European Championships, a victory that added to her impressive list of career achievements.
Throughout her career, Quek earned over 125 international caps for both England and Great Britain, establishing herself as one of the top defenders in the sport. Her tireless work ethic, leadership on the field, and consistent performances made her a standout player in both domestic and international competitions.
After competing at the highest level for nearly a decade, Sam retired from professional field hockey in 2016, following the Olympic gold medal triumph. Her transition into television and broadcasting would mark the beginning of a new and equally successful chapter in her career.
Sam Quek Transition to Television and Media Career
After retiring from competitive hockey, Sam Quek turned her attention to broadcasting and television presenting. She quickly became a well-known personality on British television, leveraging her athletic background and media skills to host and present a variety of programs.
Quek made her debut as a television presenter in sports broadcasting, covering events such as rugby union, NFL, and football. She became a regular feature on BBC Sport and Channel 5, where her expertise in sports and engaging presence made her a popular choice for presenting various shows. In particular, she gained significant recognition for her work in hockey coverage, including her role as a presenter on BT Sport during major field hockey tournaments.
Her media career extended beyond sports broadcasting when Sam appeared in a number of entertainment programs. Most notably, she joined the cast of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2016, where she became a fan favorite due to her relatable personality and resilience in the face of the jungle’s challenges. Quek made it to the final stages of the competition, further solidifying her status as a popular television personality.
Following her success on the reality show, Sam went on to participate in other entertainment programs such as Celebrity MasterChef in 2020 and Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, where she competed with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin. Her journey on Strictly was closely followed by viewers, as she showcased her dancing skills and competitive spirit, further establishing her as a versatile media personality capable of excelling in both sports and entertainment.
Quek has also made appearances on popular quiz shows such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Pointless Celebrities, continuing to expand her presence across various types of television programs.
Sam Quek Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Public Image
Sam Quek’s personal life has also been a subject of interest to many fans. She is married to Thomas Mairs, a property entrepreneur and TV personality who appeared on Secret Millionaire. The couple tied the knot in 2018, after rekindling their romance from their earlier years in Liverpool. Sam and Tom share two children, a daughter, Molly Doris Mairs, born in 2021, and a son, Isaac Gregory Mairs, born in 2022. Quek often shares family moments on social media, giving fans a glimpse into her life as a mother and wife.
Despite her fame, Sam has managed to keep much of her personal life private, focusing on her career and family. Her relationship with her husband Tom has been described as one of mutual respect, and they appear to have a strong family unit. Sam’s transparency about balancing her career, family life, and motherhood has made her relatable to many of her followers.
Sam Quek Net Worth and Career Success
Sam Quek’s professional success, both as an athlete and a television presenter, has led to a net worth estimated at £4 million. Much of her wealth comes from her successful career in sports and television, as well as her work as a public speaker and brand ambassador. She is also involved in various corporate sponsorships and endorsements, with partnerships spanning across the sports, fashion, and entertainment industries.
Sam’s television work has helped her remain in the public eye, and her net worth continues to grow as she expands her career into new avenues. In addition to her on-screen roles, Sam is also a highly sought-after motivational speaker and has been involved in numerous philanthropic efforts.
Strictly Come Dancing and Other Ventures
In 2024, Sam Quek became a contestant on the highly popular Strictly Come Dancing, participating in the show’s 22nd series. Paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, Sam showcased her dance skills to a national audience, further solidifying her celebrity status. Her time on the show was met with admiration from fans and critics alike, as she proved her versatility as a performer, in addition to her already impressive athletic background.
Apart from Strictly, Sam has also made a name for herself in other ventures such as ITV Racing, where she has covered major horse racing events. This shift into horse racing and other forms of entertainment has demonstrated Sam’s ability to diversify her career and tackle new challenges outside her initial focus on hockey.
Sam Quek Social Media and Public Image
Sam is highly active on social media, where she frequently engages with her fans. With a significant following on Instagram and Twitter, she shares updates about her career, personal life, and various television appearances. Her presence on social media has helped maintain her connection with her fanbase, while also serving as a platform to advocate for various causes, including gender equality in sports and the promotion of healthy living.
Sam’s social media platforms provide fans with an inside look into her life, with many posts highlighting her family, her work as a mother, and her continued involvement in sports and entertainment. She is regarded as an influential figure in both the world of sports and television, using her platform to promote important causes and inspire others.
Sam Quek Legacy and Impact
Sam Quek has undeniably made a lasting impact both as an athlete and a media personality. Her gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics will forever be remembered as a historic achievement in British women’s hockey. Beyond her sporting success, Sam has carved out a successful career in television, breaking barriers and showcasing the many talents of athletes beyond their sports.
With her MBE, her numerous media appearances, and her continued advocacy for women in sports, Sam has proven to be a multifaceted individual with an unwavering passion for excellence. Her journey from a promising hockey player to a beloved television star continues to inspire young athletes and women across the world.
Sam Quek’s legacy as both a sports legend and a respected public figure is sure to continue for many years to come, and her influence in both the sporting and entertainment industries remains as strong as ever.
Conclusion
Sam Quek’s journey from Olympic gold medalist to television personality is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. Whether on the hockey field or on TV screens, Sam has shown that she is more than capable of excelling in multiple arenas. With her athletic prowess, television success, and growing influence, Sam Quek has become an icon for women in sports and entertainment, and her legacy continues to inspire.
