Sam Quek (Samantha Ann Quek, MBE) stands at the intersection of extraordinary athletic accomplishment and broadcasting influence. She is widely recognised as an English field hockey legend, a charismatic television presenter, a social media voice, and a candid advocate for women in sport and parenting. Her journey from an Olympic champion to an all-around media personality is both inspiring and instructive, reflecting resilience, versatility, and the pioneering spirit essential to modern icons.
Early Life and Multicultural Roots
Born on October 18, 1988, in Liverpool, Sam Quek grew up in the Wirral with her parents, Albert (Singaporean by birth) and Marilyn, embracing a diverse heritage that includes English and Chinese ancestry. This multicultural foundation contributed to her open, inclusive approach both on and off the field.
Sam attended local schools in the Wirral and later enrolled at Leeds Beckett University (Leeds Metropolitan University), where she completed a degree in Sport & Exercise Science, setting the stage for her elite sports career.
Key Details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated to comfortably surpass £4 million as of 2025, with her 2016 public valuation at £4 million and ongoing media, TV, and broadcasting work |
| Family | – Husband: Tom Mairs (married 2018) – Daughter: Molly Doris Mairs (b. March 2021) – Son: Isaac “Zac” Gregory Mairs (b. March 2022) – Twin Brother: Shaun Quek – Parents: Albert (Singaporean-Chinese), Marilyn (English) – Siblings: Older brother Mike, sister Maxine |
| Career Highlights | – Olympic Gold Medal, Rio 2016 (Women’s hockey, Team GB) – Over 125 international caps for England and GB – Captained England at Champions Trophy 2014 – Gold, European Championship 2015 (Player of the Match in final) – Silver, Commonwealth Games 2014 – Appointed MBE in 2017 – Sports broadcaster: BBC, Question of Sport (first permanent female captain, 2021–), Morning Live host – Media/TV: I’m a Celebrity (2016), Strictly Come Dancing (2024), Celebrity MasterChef finalist (2020) |
Sporting Brilliance: The Hockey Story
Early Years
Displaying early athleticism, Sam played for Tranmere Rovers’ girls’ football team before fully dedicating herself to field hockey at the age of 16. Her rapid ascent saw her representing England’s Under-18s at the Four Nations Invitational in 2005 and capturing gold at the 2007 Australian Youth Olympic Festival.
Ascendance to Elite Status
- Earned her first international senior cap for Great Britain in 2007 as a university student.
- Played as a formidable defender, donning squad number 13 for both national teams.
- Captained England at the 2014 Hockey Champions Trophy, showcasing grit by playing through injuries.
Historic Achievements
Sam Quek’s career is punctuated by landmark achievements:
- 2016 Olympic Gold: At the Rio Games, she was pivotal as Great Britain defeated the Netherlands in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout, earning the nation’s first women’s hockey gold.
- 2015 European Gold: Key player in England’s triumphant European Championships campaign.
- Over 125 international caps for England and Great Britain.
Her unapologetically tough style, technical skill, and leadership underpinned her teams’ global successes and earned her immense respect within the sport.
Transition to Broadcasting and Media Fame
TV and Radio
Upon retirement from international hockey, Sam leveraged her profile to become a sought-after media figure:
- BBC American Football, Channel 5 Rugby, BT Sport Hockey: Coverage duties for several top sporting events.
- BBC One’s “A Question of Sport”: Making history as the show’s first female team captain (from 2021), bringing wit and insight to the beloved panel.
- Morning Live: Presenter on the popular daytime program.
- 606 on BBC Five Live: Co-hosting the flagship football phone-in show with Robbie Savage.
- Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Co-host of the highly anticipated opening ceremony.
Entertainment TV Appearances
- I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2016): Earned further public admiration for her resilience in the jungle environment.
- Celebrity Masterchef (Finalist, 2020): Displayed ingenuity outside her core comfort zone.
- Strictly Come Dancing (2024): Introduced Sam to new audiences, again illustrating her willingness to take on fresh challenges.
Writing and Advocacy
- Sports columnist for Metro and Daily Mirror.
- Released an autobiography, Hope and a Hockey Stick, offering honest and inspiring insights into her journey.
- Authored the children’s book, Roar: A Celebration of Great Sporting Women (2024), aimed at inspiring the next generation.
Personal Life and Family
Sam married Tom Mairs, an entrepreneur recognised for his appearance on “Secret Millionaire,” in 2018. Together, they share a daughter, Molly (born March 2021), and a son, Isaac “Zac” (born March 2022).
Balancing family and a high-profile career has become a recurring theme in Sam’s life, and she candidly shares the ups and downs of working motherhood in interviews and social media posts. Her message is often one of resilience, self-care, and embracing the messiness of life’s juggling act.
Net Worth and Financial Footing
Estimates place Sam Quek’s net worth at approximately £4 million, a figure built from Olympic success, regular television presenting, lucrative endorsement deals, book royalties, and speaking engagements. Notably, her time on “I’m a Celebrity” reportedly earned her up to £70,000, while subsequent media projects have helped sustain her healthy personal brand.
Achievements, Honours, and Influence
- Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), awarded in 2017 for services to hockey.
- Olympic gold, European gold, Commonwealth silver, and 125+ international caps.
- Esteemed TV presenter, charity ambassador, and public speaker.
Social Media and Public Image
On platforms like X (Twitter), where she boasts a significant following, Sam blends humour, sports commentary, family updates, and motivational messages. She’s known for her candid engagement with followers, whether sharing behind-the-scenes TV moments or calling out online abuse with humour and maturity.
Advocacy, Education, and Guest Speaking
Recently announced as a keynote speaker for the 2024/2025 Hill House Lecture Series, Sam continues to invest in future generations, sharing her insights on resilience, elite performance, and female empowerment. She frequently appears at schools, businesses, and charitable events across the nation.
Notable Controversies and Challenges
Despite her positive image, Sam has encountered a few public tests:
- TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) Leak (2016): Following a WADA database hack, Sam’s legitimate use of an inhaler as a young athlete was made public. She responded by advocating for the medical privacy of all athletes and destigmatising TUEs, calling them “potentially life-saving practices”.
- Undeclared Promotions: Received a formal warning about paid social media promotions in 2020 that were not properly disclosed. Sam acknowledged the oversight and reaffirmed her commitment to ethical communications.
- Media Criticism and Bullying Allegations: In 2024, her stint on “Strictly Come Dancing” was surrounded by wider show controversies regarding bullying among other contestants. Sam handled press questions diplomatically, stressing positivity and perspective while avoiding direct involvement in the disputes.
- Online Abuse: Upon joining ITV Racing, Sam faced “purist” critics questioning her credentials to cover horse racing. She addressed detractors with characteristic grace, emphasising her crossover appeal and the importance of expanding sports audiences.
Latest News (2024–2025)
- Strictly Come Dancing: Participated as a contestant, bringing new dimensions to her already multi-faceted public image.
- BBC and ITV Presenting: Continues to appear regularly on mainstream UK TV, including big sporting events and entertainment shows.
- Hill House Lecture Series: Set as keynote speaker for 2024, highlighting her goal to inspire the next generation and diversify her impact beyond sport and television.
FAQs About Sam Quek
What is Sam Quek’s sporting legacy?
Sam Quek is celebrated as one of Britain’s greatest field hockey defenders, renowned for her leadership, skill, and Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games. Her career is marked by more than 125 caps, multiple international medals, and tireless promotion of women’s sport.
What TV and radio shows has Sam Quek appeared on?
Her media footprint includes BBC’s “A Question of Sport” (first female team captain), “Morning Live,” ITV Racing, “606” on BBC Five Live, “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, “Strictly Come Dancing,” and “Celebrity Masterchef” (finalist), among others.
How has Sam Quek addressed controversies, such as the TUE leak?
She publicly explained her use of an inhaler was within the rules, advocated for athlete privacy, and used her platform to destigmatise necessary medical exemptions for elite performers.
Who is Sam Quek married to, and does she have children?
She is married to Tom Mairs, property entrepreneur and former “Secret Millionaire.” They share two children: Molly, born in March 2021, and Isaac (“Zac”), born in March 2022.
What is Sam Quek’s net worth?
Estimates place her net worth at approximately £4 million, derived from her involvement in sports, broadcasting, endorsements, books, and public appearances.
Has Sam Quek faced criticism in her transition to broadcasting?
Yes, especially when joining ITV Racing, but she embraced her role as a non-expert seeking to attract new fans to the sport and has publicly called for a more welcoming media and sports culture.
What books has Sam Quek published?
She has written an autobiography, Hope and a Hockey Stick, and a children’s book, Roar: A Celebration of Great Sporting Women (2024).
How does Sam Quek balance family and media work?
She speaks publicly about the realities of working motherhood, advocating self-care, time management, and open communication within families.
Where can fans follow Sam Quek on social media?
Sam maintains an active presence on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, and regularly appears on mainstream TV and radio, where she shares insights on sports, parenting, health, and her media work.